tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42283652226261457662017-12-13T09:11:51.523-08:00The Wycombe WandererRussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.comBlogger743125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-42202754603518601252017-12-09T13:25:00.001-08:002017-12-09T13:27:45.968-08:00Forest Hill Park - Ladywell Arena<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfE8R0xBc5E/WixSH-39VpI/AAAAAAABgKg/5WVwr-dQ0T82GjlWRM5PESH6LKBA_j4oACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="876" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfE8R0xBc5E/WixSH-39VpI/AAAAAAABgKg/5WVwr-dQ0T82GjlWRM5PESH6LKBA_j4oACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.jpg" width="452" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Forest Hill Park FC</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ladywell Arena</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Silvermere Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Catford</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">London</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">SE6 4QX</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/foresthillparkfc" target="_blank">Official Website</a></span><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/FHPFC" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Twitter</span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 749</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Saturday 9th December 2017</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Forest Hill Park 0-5 Stansfeld</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">SCEL D1<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;">FOREST HILL PARK - A BRIEF HISTORY</span></span></b></span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The club is a fairly young one, having been established as recently as 1992. The club got their hame from the local areas of Forest Hill and Honor Oak Park.Formative years were spent in the Crystal Palace &amp; District Sunday League before a switch to Saturday football and spells in the Bromley &amp; District &amp; South London Alliance Leagues. In 2008, Forest Hill Park joined the Kent County League. They won&nbsp;Division 2 West in their second season, earning promotion to Division 1. They've been there ever since, though name changes meant the league became the Keni&nbsp;Invicta before settling on the SCEL D1 at the start of last season. Their best ever finish of 5th came in 2015, this season has seen a fairly average start and at the start of the game, the team sat in 13th place.<br /><br />Forest Hill Park have not yet participated in the FA Cup, but this season they made their bow in the FA Vase. The 1st Qualifying Round saw an epic 4-4 draw with East Preston down in Sussex before they won the replay 1-0. However, they lost 5-0 in the 2nd Qualifying Round at CCL Premier side Balham. Local honours include the West Kent Challenge Shield in 2011. The club is based in Catford, most famous for hosting greyhound racing up until 2005. Famous people with links to the town include boxer Henry Cooper, singer Cat Stevens, army hero Andy McNab and comedians Ben Elton &amp; Spike Milligan.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8NxvP8XWLw/WixSmpKEBpI/AAAAAAABgLg/pCflUB7VbDM4O9bR0V2GZrLN7Cmie1LIgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="701" height="546" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8NxvP8XWLw/WixSmpKEBpI/AAAAAAABgLg/pCflUB7VbDM4O9bR0V2GZrLN7Cmie1LIgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Once again I’d decided to let the train take the strain for my Saturday groundhop. With nothing obvious that I fancied in the Birmingham area, I decided that it would be another trip to somewhere in London. It turned out to be a good decision - had I decided to head to Birmingham, I’d have to buy the tickets a couple of weeks in advance to get a good price. With predicted frozen temperatures proving true, it was good to be able to walk up and get a great price on the day. There were 4 choices of new grounds that were doable for me, these being Forest Hill Park v Stansfeld, Kent Football United v Sporting Club Thamesmead, Meridian VP v Gravesham Borough and Worcester Park v FC Deportivo Galicia. Despite being a fairly poor ground from what I’d seen, my preference was for Forest Hill, due to it being the only one with a couple of decent pre-match pubs nearby. It also had the benefit of a backup option on 3G at Cray Wanderers should the game suffer a late postponement. My backup was even offering free entry to all, which made up for the fact that it would be a revisit, albeit one that I fancied doing for a Bromley game.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjTZUTEm8GM/WixSHlXFtRI/AAAAAAABgKc/gmEbEjsp8iwjGkiRFnFGUNjGv91hmoUugCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjTZUTEm8GM/WixSHlXFtRI/AAAAAAABgKc/gmEbEjsp8iwjGkiRFnFGUNjGv91hmoUugCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I woke around 9am on the day of the game, following a late night. After watching Corrie and researching today’s game, I had a cheeseburger for breakfast before leaving at 10.40. I got to Amersham at 11, waiting 5 minutes for a train. After changes at Harrow On The Hill and Finchley Road, I got to London Bridge station at 11.10. Normally this is my pre-match venue thanks to a cider stall at Borough Market, but not today. Instead, it was a walk to the overground station before a train to Catford Bridge. On the journey, I turned on notifications for both of today’s games, should I need to head elsewhere because of a frozen pitch. The train even went past the ground, with the pitch looking ok. From the station, it was a 10-minute walk to my first pre-match pub, the Blythe Hill Tavern. It had an excellent range of ciders, around 12, although they tended to be on the sweet side, rather than my preferred dry. Even so, there was plenty of scope for new tries and a half of Turners Apple Pie cider kicked me off. I watched the first half of West Ham v Chelsea, with the hosts surprisingly 1-0 up. My second half was a Millwhites Hedge Layer, another nice cider. My third and final half was Millwhites Rum Cask, yet again decent. By now, it was getting on for 2pm so I decided to start walking towards the ground, looking for a cash machine and dinner along the way. All in all, the pub was a cracker, nice and friendly and a good choice of drinks. I stopped at Morley's takeaway, as recommended by sweary Youtuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArSGUnxatDA" target="_blank">John Gage</a> and had a double steakburger with fries and drink for £3.50. It was OK, nothing more, but at least it was cheap and filling, even if there were better options.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMCHhXtPhuk/WixSHLmPPKI/AAAAAAABgKY/HfdGwFEeyMYY2V1BTYXi_f1U8ns9JvdXwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMCHhXtPhuk/WixSHLmPPKI/AAAAAAABgKY/HfdGwFEeyMYY2V1BTYXi_f1U8ns9JvdXwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I still hadn't found any cash machine by the time I reached the ground, aside from one that charged £1.85 for withdrawals. I decided to head towards the local Wetherspoons, the London &amp; Rye in the hope that I'd find another. It came up trumps, £20 withdrawn at Halifax before I popped into the pub to see what they had on offer. With my favourite cider, Black Dragon on offer at £2.89 a pint, it would be rude not to, so a swift pint was sampled before I made my way to the ground, arriving just before kick off. I paid £6 to get in, this included a programme and was a fairly standard price for this level. The first half was fairly equal, visitors Stansfeld netting just before half-time through Adam Ball who slotted into the net after the initial effort was parried. The second half saw Stansfeld step up a gear and they doubled their lead on 49 minutes with probably the goal of the game when Michael McKenna's rising shot found the top corner from the edge of the area. A curling shot hit the bar for the visitors before they got their third on 57 minutes when Billy Jolley rifled into the roof of the net from the edge of the area. Billy Shinners capitalised on some indecision in the home defence on 80 minutes thanks to a mix up between the keeper and a defender, but it was a good through ball in the first place. Adam Ball got his second of the game on 84 minutes to wrap up the win for Stansfeld, the video of his first goal is below.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BcfpZGqHKMw/" style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">The opening goal today for Stansfeld, scored by Adam Ball</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by Russell Cox (@russ_wwfc) on <time datetime="2017-12-09T20:15:09+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 9, 2017 at 12:15pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After the game, I made my way to Ladywell station, just over 10 minutes away. It was a 10-minute wait for my train, which was a nice simple journey to London Bridge. I then transferred to the underground, changing at Finchley Road before my final train back to Amersham. I changed at Harrow On The Hill to get my final train to Amersham, which arrived just before 7. Somewhere in between, I lost my hat. I have many spares, but it was my favourite one and very warm. I was home at 7.20, trying to find out the goalscorers for today's game. The rest of the evening consisted of a couple of drinks, I'm a Celebrity and Match Of The Day. It will be London for the third trip in a row for my next game with QPR v Charlton Athletic in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgNOXj-a8ms/WixSHCGYZvI/AAAAAAABgKU/-dAFR8MBFLEVLdgG_0SlKAYqfgH55yt6QCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1475" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgNOXj-a8ms/WixSHCGYZvI/AAAAAAABgKU/-dAFR8MBFLEVLdgG_0SlKAYqfgH55yt6QCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="590" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">THE LADYWELL ARENA is not the most inspiring of grounds, with it having an athletics track, although you can stand on the track, unofficially, to get a good view of the game. The sole area of cover is a 100 capacity metal seated stand, whilst the rest of the ground is flat standing. The fence around the pitch means that people can stand outside for free and many people did that when I visited, albeit not for the whole game. There’s a reasonable tea bar at the ground, this doubles up as the bar too, with cans available. Less than 10 minutes away is Catford town centre, this has many outlets including the London &amp; Rye, a decent Wetherspoons.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">An athletics venue, but well kept (4)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Lots of choice food wise and good public transport links, unsure about parking though (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A nice welcome from the gateman (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">£6 including programme was reasonable (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A bit lax on the updates, but not bad (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Not a lot to read, but free with entry, had all the facts (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A bit one-sided in the end (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Not bad for the level (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Very basic, only cans (3)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">None (-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF A POSSIBLE 90: 51</b></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE: 5.66</b></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span></b></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7UnTZG1n740/WixSK-G4QdI/AAAAAAABgKk/59JsGXU2pYEG_3SVFo9VEzkZYw_AQgPmgCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1600" height="544" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7UnTZG1n740/WixSK-G4QdI/AAAAAAABgKk/59JsGXU2pYEG_3SVFo9VEzkZYw_AQgPmgCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCDU2TqJ3dA/WixSP87g4eI/AAAAAAABgK8/DZAuOXypD-QGWzUAafIIXlfMDxVvaq1UwCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCDU2TqJ3dA/WixSP87g4eI/AAAAAAABgK8/DZAuOXypD-QGWzUAafIIXlfMDxVvaq1UwCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cz9EgsHdeWA/WixSUFvlNRI/AAAAAAABgLI/u2IqIAMl3AA-9DChSJ8fRMJZpQ_IQ9SEgCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cz9EgsHdeWA/WixSUFvlNRI/AAAAAAABgLI/u2IqIAMl3AA-9DChSJ8fRMJZpQ_IQ9SEgCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgW4UxtQ03k/WixST5ekprI/AAAAAAABgLE/rFyZeosUIZUB2ztKsejET0s95NaawFMVACLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgW4UxtQ03k/WixST5ekprI/AAAAAAABgLE/rFyZeosUIZUB2ztKsejET0s95NaawFMVACLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbNW6IIZsUI/WixSRNStZCI/AAAAAAABgLA/2h5txgabxEUStl2NldJn5Zbs8y0KdIyswCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="947" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbNW6IIZsUI/WixSRNStZCI/AAAAAAABgLA/2h5txgabxEUStl2NldJn5Zbs8y0KdIyswCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B5.jpg" width="379" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSvnoVR__6o/WixSUn-_VoI/AAAAAAABgLM/Vr3J3X5sxaYtBcWsFdODOHKuv39U5LGXACLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSvnoVR__6o/WixSUn-_VoI/AAAAAAABgLM/Vr3J3X5sxaYtBcWsFdODOHKuv39U5LGXACLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKPSB-93nQ0/WixSYHGaVtI/AAAAAAABgLU/7kG5gLhESYQ78UHlxtTAOKoDxG-sxly4QCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKPSB-93nQ0/WixSYHGaVtI/AAAAAAABgLU/7kG5gLhESYQ78UHlxtTAOKoDxG-sxly4QCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cn0J5Z4xL14/WixSYv1y3uI/AAAAAAABgLc/mal-t5TkFJIXVe8RJr2Ji_ycsZHusLIvwCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cn0J5Z4xL14/WixSYv1y3uI/AAAAAAABgLc/mal-t5TkFJIXVe8RJr2Ji_ycsZHusLIvwCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73PPnF4uuAE/WixSYhKI4WI/AAAAAAABgLY/p_K83_P-z7Q2_T2F2QnkL_tMUmWrRKCnACLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73PPnF4uuAE/WixSYhKI4WI/AAAAAAABgLY/p_K83_P-z7Q2_T2F2QnkL_tMUmWrRKCnACLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1qe9HkUMz8/WixSLuVc9nI/AAAAAAABgKo/Zyv5CxPx15oFyuYjDiBnOGOCvVlST_JVQCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1qe9HkUMz8/WixSLuVc9nI/AAAAAAABgKo/Zyv5CxPx15oFyuYjDiBnOGOCvVlST_JVQCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9U1HUT_tJE/WixSLog1AhI/AAAAAAABgKs/mV6mMZtZq5kPtIKse2H_ZxZBm09_zrAhgCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9U1HUT_tJE/WixSLog1AhI/AAAAAAABgKs/mV6mMZtZq5kPtIKse2H_ZxZBm09_zrAhgCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVfpWcfcwGc/WixSN3i_TwI/AAAAAAABgKw/VWEQLSB2iB4a3C-JstU-PClBWvFW4Q1BACLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVfpWcfcwGc/WixSN3i_TwI/AAAAAAABgKw/VWEQLSB2iB4a3C-JstU-PClBWvFW4Q1BACLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVUsryTyJzc/WixSPSWKKvI/AAAAAAABgK0/2qj573uA_IklEP4ZcT6pIjkMbiybkTSpACLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVUsryTyJzc/WixSPSWKKvI/AAAAAAABgK0/2qj573uA_IklEP4ZcT6pIjkMbiybkTSpACLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKqsGmCxXtk/WixSP9xs5hI/AAAAAAABgK4/AxDSJBAqm_wtbUhkDIxRpdTIhn2Ug2zZQCLcBGAs/s1600/FHP%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKqsGmCxXtk/WixSP9xs5hI/AAAAAAABgK4/AxDSJBAqm_wtbUhkDIxRpdTIhn2Ug2zZQCLcBGAs/s640/FHP%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-49343393151263182982017-12-08T16:17:00.002-08:002017-12-09T03:22:34.096-08:00Fulham U23 - Motspur Park<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StPdoZ0V09E/WisqA6MszoI/AAAAAAABgEs/R85eKQsrUk4YdNfPQdTtxe1ixckOdsKBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="612" height="286" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StPdoZ0V09E/WisqA6MszoI/AAAAAAABgEs/R85eKQsrUk4YdNfPQdTtxe1ixckOdsKBgCLcBGAs/s400/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Fulham FC Training Ground</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Motspur Park</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">New Malden</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">KT3 6PT</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fulhamfc.com/pl2/player-profiles" target="_blank">Fulham FC PL2 Page</a></span><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/fulhamfc" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Fulham FC Twitter</span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 748</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Friday 8th December 2017</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Fulham U23 1-1 Brighton &amp; Hove Albion U23</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Premier League 2</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #444444;"><br /></b></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #444444;">FULHAM RESERVES - A VERY BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Fulham FC have long had a reserve team, although records on their exploits are very limited. The early 1900s saw them have two teams, playing both in the Southern League and London League. They were Southern League Division 2 champions in 1905 and London League Premier Division champions the following year. The 1980s and 1990s saw them compete along with my own team Wycombe Wanderers in the Capital League and the clubs met a number of times over the years. Large financial investment saw them rise to the top two tiers and in turn, they have joined the Premier League's academy&nbsp;setup. In 2002, they joined the FA Premier Reserve League South, staying here until 2012. Finishes ranged from a runners-up spot in 2003 and 2012 to a bottom-placed finish in 2003. Clashes with Wycombe&nbsp;include the 1997 Doxhill&nbsp;Cup final, which Wycombe won 2-0. Sadly, I couldn't find a report for that game, but I have found a clipping from less than two years later where the Cottagers backup team got their revenge, thumping us 9-0.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrY3F5bb9Js/WimuPQgBURI/AAAAAAABgB0/4EDV8liBBgsMMjCiHrZUqZoiR1ZXn9FTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1217" height="413" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrY3F5bb9Js/WimuPQgBURI/AAAAAAABgB0/4EDV8liBBgsMMjCiHrZUqZoiR1ZXn9FTgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b>MY VISIT</b></span><br /><br />I always love a bit of Friday night football, but this Saturday appeared to have drawn a blank. That was until Sutton United fan and fellow hopper Ryan contacted me to tell me that he was attending the Fulham v Brighton &amp; Hove Albion U23 game, being played at Motspur&nbsp;Park. Despite being Fulham's training ground, it was actually a worthwhile venue and would be a decent setup for a step 5 team from what I'd seen. I decided it would be a nice trip on the train, the only doubt being the weather which had decided to suddenly suffer a big freeze. I decided that I'd just keep my eye on Twitter to minimize my chances of a wasted journey. The days before were very busy with work, a game at Bromsgrove, as well as catching up on my blog. I did at least manage to get some of this&nbsp;blog done, recalling the time when Wycombe's reserves were hammered 9-0 by their Fulham counterparts.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80eSi-35DKE/WisqBC_wGxI/AAAAAAABgEw/mubcNecSMZsxXZk0IA2G7FtHR9GdE8H5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80eSi-35DKE/WisqBC_wGxI/AAAAAAABgEw/mubcNecSMZsxXZk0IA2G7FtHR9GdE8H5QCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="466" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">It was a busy day at work on Friday and as a result, I didn’t get home until nearly 2. There was just time to catch up on things and have a bath and a change of clothes before heading out at 3. I had to collect a prescription on the way, but with that done, I headed to the station, arriving just before 3.30. I got to the station in the nick of time, getting the 3.36 to Marylebone before changing again at Victoria before I got my final train to Raynes Park. Getting the train on this occasion was actually slightly more expensive and time-consuming than driving, but the ability to be able to put my feet up and type my blog, rather than get annoyed at the Friday evening traffic made it worth it. On the journey, I decided my game for tomorrow - Forest Hill Park v Stansfield. It was far from the best ground, but there were a couple of good pubs nearby, plus a couple of 3G backups not far away. It would be another train trip too, something I was enjoying after a recent large bill for my car’s service and MOT.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qaQlz4WCKkM/WisqDMntyGI/AAAAAAABgE4/Kc5GAvQdzc059Ei7935ChfU3H6N0jyTTACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qaQlz4WCKkM/WisqDMntyGI/AAAAAAABgE4/Kc5GAvQdzc059Ei7935ChfU3H6N0jyTTACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I got to Raynes Park at 5 and headed for what was my 150th different Wetherspoons - The Edward Rayne, named after the shoemaker who had emigrated from the USA to the UK to start up his business. It was busy, but well above average. To start, I had a pint of Thatchers Gold, along with the Brie and Bacon Christmas burger. My second was a nice pint of Marcle Hill, a retry but very nice all the same. Finally, I had a small mulled cider to warm me up for the final leg of my journey. I got to Motspur Park station at 6.15 but then had a near 15-minute wait as the level crossing went through its machinations. Finally, I was on my way, getting to the ground at 6.45. After paying a very reasonable £3 to get in, I met up with Ryan and also a couple of new people - Trent and Tony the Torch. Myself and Ryan went around and got some pictures of the ground before sitting in the stand for the first half.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJLTlUH1MUM/WisqDXphUJI/AAAAAAABgE8/pnBHOSZijy8zf9D6uhJi-o26efbSDtllQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJLTlUH1MUM/WisqDXphUJI/AAAAAAABgE8/pnBHOSZijy8zf9D6uhJi-o26efbSDtllQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The game was a turgid one, with very little attacking quality. When the goal did come though, it was a cracking effort by the Icelandic forward Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson who curled a shot home from the edge of the area. The hosts had started to have chances by now, but Brighton seemed content to soak up the pressure. The second half improved a bit, Fulham having the better chances, but it was Max Sanders who equalised ten minutes from time with his low shot getting Brighton’s equaliser. The hosts had a chance to win it, but a good double save from Brighton keeper Robert Lynch-Sanchez ensured the points weee shared. This ensured both teams continued their unbeaten runs, but it was far from inspiring fare. The company had been good though and with Ryan and his dad leaving 10 minutes before the end, I chatted to Trent about 1990s Fulham players that I recalled from past games watching them.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">There were plenty of delays and it wasn’t until 8.55 that I left. There was another lengthy wait at the level crossing, so it wasn’t until 9.15 that I got my train to Waterloo. I got there about 9.40, from where it was a long walk to the platform to get the Jubilee Line to Finchley Road. Astonishingly, the last two trains were almost instant with the last leg to Amersham more often than not involving a long wait. I got back to Amersham at 11 and was home 20 minutes later. I stayed up for a few hours, having a couple of drinks while I watched Corrie and typed my blog.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIx8YWci8Cs/WisqCfPZhRI/AAAAAAABgE0/1N-_v0WV5ocQK1_uFsGIxXDmds4oLU_ZQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIx8YWci8Cs/WisqCfPZhRI/AAAAAAABgE0/1N-_v0WV5ocQK1_uFsGIxXDmds4oLU_ZQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #444444;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">MOTSPUR PARK is Fulham’s training ground first and foremost, so it’s not really designed with the fan in mind. Even so, it’s a pretty smart venue, with a couple of areas of cover. The main stand has a capacity of 300ish and is built into the changing rooms. I believe the seats have been rescued from the old Johnny Haynes stand at Craven Cottage. There is further cover behind the the goal in the form of a metal terrace, this holds around 350. The best of the ground is open flat standing, with just the two sides open to spectators. The capacity is around 1000, with a tea bar being provided. Apart from that, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to Motspur Park station where a number of pubs and takeaways can be found.<br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #444444;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span></span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDalXFtJ0Us/WisqGHHCqeI/AAAAAAABgFA/EBeS0TLawPA2I6tfU8hJvvhsDLCaWnyYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDalXFtJ0Us/WisqGHHCqeI/AAAAAAABgFA/EBeS0TLawPA2I6tfU8hJvvhsDLCaWnyYwCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1Rhh5elNaY/WisqKKrUjhI/AAAAAAABgFU/AdBWaCIErjcjGmY20V9xdqj3Ayj7C77ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1Rhh5elNaY/WisqKKrUjhI/AAAAAAABgFU/AdBWaCIErjcjGmY20V9xdqj3Ayj7C77ZgCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXr22v_WbdY/WisqJDJIE0I/AAAAAAABgFM/9JGpsJlctVENoMw26qiUwa_9tgzIgia-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="459" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXr22v_WbdY/WisqJDJIE0I/AAAAAAABgFM/9JGpsJlctVENoMw26qiUwa_9tgzIgia-wCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3ieUugTJxI/WisqKi5UH-I/AAAAAAABgFY/LnZm161Ndk8PbTWt42ex4q-vtJD7MavjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1086" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3ieUugTJxI/WisqKi5UH-I/AAAAAAABgFY/LnZm161Ndk8PbTWt42ex4q-vtJD7MavjQCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B4.jpg" width="434" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUoq_itPTnA/WisqNZnY7dI/AAAAAAABgFc/93bX1XvKwMAT9RXrUsW9xtGI9KmsEZKlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUoq_itPTnA/WisqNZnY7dI/AAAAAAABgFc/93bX1XvKwMAT9RXrUsW9xtGI9KmsEZKlgCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd5rDHOIZtY/WisqOTfHjWI/AAAAAAABgFg/b-82TdQIneQUJcmEAxct-aBcO93w0X6XwCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd5rDHOIZtY/WisqOTfHjWI/AAAAAAABgFg/b-82TdQIneQUJcmEAxct-aBcO93w0X6XwCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zyzei8-w7VM/WisqOgW9JlI/AAAAAAABgFk/26QBdrvOdEsDhK9UGzXOF6FW-e2kcmCogCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zyzei8-w7VM/WisqOgW9JlI/AAAAAAABgFk/26QBdrvOdEsDhK9UGzXOF6FW-e2kcmCogCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4ZN38SXYXo/WisqQhfVZYI/AAAAAAABgFo/BG_ci37plS8F2LV2ypIVtPWuepNGiB1rwCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4ZN38SXYXo/WisqQhfVZYI/AAAAAAABgFo/BG_ci37plS8F2LV2ypIVtPWuepNGiB1rwCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1OkgBmdr7E/WisqRAdb_XI/AAAAAAABgFs/hlDnzvdkXe4vasrz703GRO5g-rnvjS3IQCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1OkgBmdr7E/WisqRAdb_XI/AAAAAAABgFs/hlDnzvdkXe4vasrz703GRO5g-rnvjS3IQCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sAlR55P37w/WisqGgpFveI/AAAAAAABgFI/OYV-OLSG0xQLJs9_xz8Y2spwvZHON6-mgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sAlR55P37w/WisqGgpFveI/AAAAAAABgFI/OYV-OLSG0xQLJs9_xz8Y2spwvZHON6-mgCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El84u_aJVX4/WisqGS0WEVI/AAAAAAABgFE/3uaJxJemRuEabCvhvtP1lAtUtcSEolXogCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El84u_aJVX4/WisqGS0WEVI/AAAAAAABgFE/3uaJxJemRuEabCvhvtP1lAtUtcSEolXogCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWxrKHV7DBc/WisqJud2BgI/AAAAAAABgFQ/lErMwIjCfJEq2k9zHp-BL_Iqio853it5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Mots%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWxrKHV7DBc/WisqJud2BgI/AAAAAAABgFQ/lErMwIjCfJEq2k9zHp-BL_Iqio853it5QCLcBGAs/s640/Mots%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-7431896335441022702017-12-07T12:26:00.002-08:002017-12-07T12:27:17.009-08:00Coventry United - Butts Park Arena<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KPr-1OyLMg8/WimhncINbPI/AAAAAAABf_I/V13jAxKOktYQsYE-VNHfbksvbud5DKHcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: start;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="735" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KPr-1OyLMg8/WimhncINbPI/AAAAAAABf_I/V13jAxKOktYQsYE-VNHfbksvbud5DKHcgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Coventry United FC</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Butts Park Arena</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Butts Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Coventry</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">CV1 3GE</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.coventryunitedlfc.co.uk/" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Official Website</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/CovUnited" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Number: 747<br />Wednesday 6th December 2017<br />Coventry United 3-3 Bromsgrove Sporting (3-4 Pens)<br />FA Vase 3rd Round Replay<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">COVENTRY UNITED - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club is fairly young one, having been formed in 2013 by four supporters unhappy with the way Coventry City was being run. In one of many farcical decisions by SISU, the club had suffered an alarming fall from grace and was&nbsp;being forced to groundshare at Northampton following a failure to agree on a lease at the oversized Ricoh Arena. Their first season was spent in the Midland Combination Division 2 (then step 8) and despite a 28-0 win over Polesworth United (the club's record win) towards the end of the season, they would have to settle&nbsp;for a runners-up&nbsp;spot behind Kenilworth Town. It was good enough for promotion, however, with 2014-15 being spent in the newly formed Midland League D2. Again they were promoted, this time as champions and they repeated the trick when they were Midland D1 champions in 2015/16. Since then, they have competed in the Midland League Premier Division. Following a decent 8th place finish in their debut season. This season, they have moved to Coventry Rugby's Butts Park Arena, after previously sharing at Coventry Sphinx and the Alan Higgs Sports Centre and currently sit 6th in the table.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvgJ5PkQuOE/WibqnDvqKZI/AAAAAAABf7o/lN5GScPEdNwFXxtSnLXoWmT6dBBVC7tAgCLcBGAs/s1600/MidP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="698" height="623" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvgJ5PkQuOE/WibqnDvqKZI/AAAAAAABf7o/lN5GScPEdNwFXxtSnLXoWmT6dBBVC7tAgCLcBGAs/s640/MidP.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Coventry United have been entering the FA Cup for the past couple of seasons, having their best run in their debut season of 2016/17. Starting in the Extra Preliminary Round, they beat Shawbury United (after a replay) and Lichfield City before a 2-0 defeat at home to the local side and Southern League Bedworth United in the 1st Qualifying Round. As for the FA Vase, they are currently enjoying their best-ever run.Starting in the 1st Qualifying Round, they progressed with a 3-1 home win over Tipton Town.The next round saw a 2-1 victory on home soil against Stone Old Alleynians.They'd have to travel in the 1st Round, but came away from Lutterworth Town with a 3-2 victory. The last round saw a thumping 6-0 win at Quorn before Saturday's 1-1 3rd Round game at Bromsgrove Sporting. Locally they won the Midland League Presidents&nbsp;Cup in 2015 as well as being runners-up in the Birmingham FA Vase the previous year.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01_sKrSVcKQ/WibqnlX87KI/AAAAAAABf7s/VP7ziK-E9Qc1vcSLyHosSQtbwkSUzd2sQCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-12-05%2B18.37.46.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01_sKrSVcKQ/WibqnlX87KI/AAAAAAABf7s/VP7ziK-E9Qc1vcSLyHosSQtbwkSUzd2sQCLcBGAs/s640/2017-12-05%2B18.37.46.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">With me completing the top 232 teams in England with my visit to Tiverton Town on Saturday, I was looking out for a midweek game. With step 3 having been finally completed, there were no other leagues that I was looking to complete and could, therefore, concentrate on the best grounds and games. One that ticked both boxes was the FA Vase 3rd Round replay between Coventry United and Bromsgrove Sporting with the original game having been drawn 1-1. It would mean having to do a game on Wednesday as opposed to my usual Tuesday, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make to see a decent game. Fellow hopper Anwar would finally be doing a game with me again after a few weeks break and he was in agreement that it was the best match to go for. So I planned it in, instead, spending my day off on Tuesday at home instead of going to a game. I spent some of the evening doing my research for the following day - both in regards to club history as well as parking and food options at the ground. I'd had a good night's sleep on Monday night, getting up at 11.30 on Tuesday morning, however, it was a problem when it came to the following night as I was wide awake and only got around an hours sleep before waking at 4 am.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlOYg3JPK7Y/Wimjxe0xJZI/AAAAAAABgAU/aRSA-5F1fwM01TgveiWW-fdVD96-Vls_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlOYg3JPK7Y/Wimjxe0xJZI/AAAAAAABgAU/aRSA-5F1fwM01TgveiWW-fdVD96-Vls_gCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.jpg" width="498" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">As a result, I was knackered the following morning and was hoping for a light day. It turned out to be the case, but even so, I didn't get back home until 1. I managed to get a few hours sleep, waking up at 4.15, getting my stuff together and leaving at 4.30. The journey over to Aylesbury was a pain - usually taking 25 minutes, I arrived in Aylesbury an hour later to mean Anwar. The main culprits were an inconsiderate tractor driver who decided to take his 10 MPH vehicle out on a 60 limit road in the middle of the rush hour, plus a prang further along the route that was only just being cleared as we sped up. The general traffic was busy too, but even so, it's never taken longer than 40 minutes away. I eventually picked Anwar up and we were soon on our way. Thankfully the rest of the journey was a lot better and Simon Mayo on Radio 2 kept us company until we reached Coventry at 6.55. After navigating the city's complicated one-way system we parked up in a street near the ground. Some dinner was in order and we chose the Spon End Fish Bar near the ground which provided us with a reasonable portion of chips for £1.70. From there, it was a couple of minutes to the ground where a ticket was purchased for £7 at a booth before going through the turnstile. I didn't bother with a programme as I had a paper ticket but I did buy a pen from the club shop for £1. I bumped into fellow hoppers Laurence and Tony and it was nice to catch up. After walking around the ground, I took a seat in the stand which offered a great view of the game.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq7nd2fKvEo/Wimhq12dcwI/AAAAAAABf_Y/N4kwvWnslqUvGaVBnfBnehfCDxP1OEz6ACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq7nd2fKvEo/Wimhq12dcwI/AAAAAAABf_Y/N4kwvWnslqUvGaVBnfBnehfCDxP1OEz6ACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The visitors started very well and were ahead after just 4 minutes. A good corner was put in from the left, but the defending was poor and Guy Clark headed home unchallenged from inside the six-yard box. It was 2-0 on 18 minutes, the same sort of thing as the first goal, although this time the corner was from the right and Richard Gregory was the beneficiary from around about the same place as the first goal. The half-hour saw Bromsgrove nearly make it 3-0 but between defender Chris Cox and keeper Richard Morris, the hosts just about kept the ball out of the net. Coventry United's defending from set pieces had been questionable all night, but there was no denying that Jason Cowley's free-kick was a cracking effort on 40 minutes. This put the visitors into a commanding 3-0 halftime lead and with the stats reading 9 chances to 1 at the break. The first 35 minutes of the second half still gave no indication of what was coming. The hosts were certainly enjoying the lions share of the possession, but chances were limited and those that they did have were spurned. On 80 minutes, Lewis Rankin's cross-cum-shot from the right had side went in to give Coventry United what looked like a consolation, but suddenly they had their tails up. Aaron Opuku had come on as a sub and breathed fresh life into the Coventry side and when his cross set up Craig Reid, the striker looked set to score. He hadn't bet on visiting keeper Reece Francis making an amazing save though and so as the game approached full time, Bromsgrove still had a two-goal lead. IN the final minute, Jack Jayes put a cross in from the left for Coventry from a free kick and in the confusion, a deflection off of Bromsgrove defender Daniel Morris looped over his keeper. Game on seemingly, even with time running out. A huge scramble and a handball claim saw a corner awarded and a great save by Francis saw another corner, this time it was scrambled home by Jack Jeys.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVz_ut7T2g4/WimhquDFajI/AAAAAAABf_U/IxiD5xV-2OI_BzdzwQ6RmNBHHGvDXYkjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1600" height="536" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVz_ut7T2g4/WimhquDFajI/AAAAAAABf_U/IxiD5xV-2OI_BzdzwQ6RmNBHHGvDXYkjQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">It had been an absolutely bonkers comeback and the equaliser sparked jubilant scenes. Extras time saw the madness continue with Chris Cox clearing off of the line to prevent Bromsgrove retaking the lead before Opuku hit the post for Coventry. A last-ditch corner saw the hosts have a late chance to win the game, but another great save from Francis saw the game go to a penalty shootout. The first 6 penalties were all successful - Reid, Wint &amp; Jones all scoring for the hosts and Quaynor, Cowley &amp; Morris all netting for Bromsgrove. Reece Francis had been great all night and had come close to saving Morris's penalty. Jack Jeys stepped up confidently but the keeper guessed right and made a great save, Next up was Bromsgrove captain Craig Jones, but the kick was straight down the middle and was saved by Coventry keeper Richard Morris. Lewis Rankin stepped up for the 5th but shanked the ball wide with a pretty lame effort. All that John Pykett had to do was score to send the visitors through, but his shot hit the left hand upright. Coventry United breathed again but it was a shame when Francis made the save of the shootout from Opuku, the man who had played a big part in turning the game around. This time Max Loveridge made no mistake to send Bromsgrove Sporting through and spark jubilant scenes and a pitch invasion. It was heartbreak for the home side and something that no side deserved after a cracking contest. Highlights of the game are below, including a great commentary.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6CzF1StGQ-8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6CzF1StGQ-8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">It had turned out to be an epic game, that I certainly didn't see coming at halftime, when Laurence joked that it was guaranteed to go to extra time and penalties with me up at 4 am. Though I'd be tired the following day, I was glad that it had, just for the entertainment levels. Talking about halftime, I'd an excellent portion of beans and chips for £1.50 which was much better than what was on offer outside. I was somewhat surprised with the declared attendance of 205, with it looking a lot more than that but Laurence confirmed that it was accurate. Certainly, Bromsgrove bought at large contingent and both sets of fans were in good voice. The atmosphere was good, but the game deserved a much bigger attendance than that. We eventually got away at 10.40, with me dropping Anwar off at midnight. I was home myself 25 minutes later, though I didn't get to sleep for ages. It was another tiring morning, but I did at least catch up with a few hours sleep the following afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtAPNQWoWaI/WimhskCeHLI/AAAAAAABf_c/OwfvbTBL-vQdoIaJHG72JQ5tIo-k7zIDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtAPNQWoWaI/WimhskCeHLI/AAAAAAABf_c/OwfvbTBL-vQdoIaJHG72JQ5tIo-k7zIDQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The BUTTS PARK ARENA is the home of Coventry Rugby club and is a pretty decent venue. By far the biggest area is the main stand and this holds around 2500. Views from here are excellent and legroom here is great. Behind both goals is open flat standing, with the 4th side closed for football. This is more open flat standing, with a small area of cover. Capacity is set at 3000 for football and 4000 for rugby. There is a car park at the ground, costing £2, or free street parking nearby.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The club shop was above average for this level, with a good range of stock. The bar was pretty standard, but the tea bar was the best bit, offering great value and choice. There are even more options around the ground, plus some cracking pubs in the city centre, which is around 15 minutes walk away.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent stand, with as good as views as you are likely to find at this level. (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Plenty of street parking and food and drink choices. Walkable from the city (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Everyone I met was great (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">4: Value for money</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Slightly above average, but it was worth it for a game of this magnitude (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Both are decent (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Didn't purchase (-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">First half didn't suggest what a game this would become (9)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Excellent choice and value (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Average (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Good range, plus a few old programmes (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF A POSSIBLE 90: 65</b></span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE: 7.22</b></span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3RD OUT OF OVER 40 MATCHDAYS REVIEWED THIS SEASON</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKBw_NLXPWw/WimhV-qw-CI/AAAAAAABf-M/BPSeLJDot4AKs1lYeUErVrspyRrszL20ACLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKBw_NLXPWw/WimhV-qw-CI/AAAAAAABf-M/BPSeLJDot4AKs1lYeUErVrspyRrszL20ACLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IjFsrM5eZk/WimhgDNlIKI/AAAAAAABf-w/MkRq8XwPA2kf_mLIelXLLB0luEinWAW6ACLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IjFsrM5eZk/WimhgDNlIKI/AAAAAAABf-w/MkRq8XwPA2kf_mLIelXLLB0luEinWAW6ACLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pKK88MRnvFw/Wimhjebc32I/AAAAAAABf-0/LKvyW4M_A1QZzQKSzBq419n_sE2j9YgWgCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pKK88MRnvFw/Wimhjebc32I/AAAAAAABf-0/LKvyW4M_A1QZzQKSzBq419n_sE2j9YgWgCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vY8SRrC6T4E/Wimhj7L_7RI/AAAAAAABf-4/42lxfoAz6mkaj9GQOXiuTXrxYG0rwmMdACLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vY8SRrC6T4E/Wimhj7L_7RI/AAAAAAABf-4/42lxfoAz6mkaj9GQOXiuTXrxYG0rwmMdACLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBvS7yEJkos/Wimhp03gDUI/AAAAAAABf_Q/hhgZNdppWL0FvxO5yC300V_xhcE0T2N6ACLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBvS7yEJkos/Wimhp03gDUI/AAAAAAABf_Q/hhgZNdppWL0FvxO5yC300V_xhcE0T2N6ACLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtLVrdGTTDc/Wimhj03GQLI/AAAAAAABf-8/dDNCIWjyuwsWDp_P0abU0s95j8_RRXXYgCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtLVrdGTTDc/Wimhj03GQLI/AAAAAAABf-8/dDNCIWjyuwsWDp_P0abU0s95j8_RRXXYgCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30wUheLP-RM/WimhmkE7yRI/AAAAAAABf_E/BAz-SgLpyO0w5UR8PjrH_PROq4fKSeBXQCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30wUheLP-RM/WimhmkE7yRI/AAAAAAABf_E/BAz-SgLpyO0w5UR8PjrH_PROq4fKSeBXQCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln_eqPyi17o/WimhmerNtSI/AAAAAAABf_A/fbqtogi6sz4xaUlRlrxl3xjcrwAfjrSrwCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1116" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln_eqPyi17o/WimhmerNtSI/AAAAAAABf_A/fbqtogi6sz4xaUlRlrxl3xjcrwAfjrSrwCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B8.jpg" width="446" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1eH71u_H3no/Wimhns76ZJI/AAAAAAABf_M/ZNj7M3UWGYs0p360UEAf-IRvHQpwq9XtgCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1eH71u_H3no/Wimhns76ZJI/AAAAAAABf_M/ZNj7M3UWGYs0p360UEAf-IRvHQpwq9XtgCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_6-Gkcoko/WimhXsCRIgI/AAAAAAABf-U/2J-LZf8D9tMmF2pR4V8IcbOzcDPcx9pNACLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rN_6-Gkcoko/WimhXsCRIgI/AAAAAAABf-U/2J-LZf8D9tMmF2pR4V8IcbOzcDPcx9pNACLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyneqcxEYgI/WimhXeeBUcI/AAAAAAABf-Q/y6mewK38lnExlYpJKDzQtybY5YWXK9WegCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyneqcxEYgI/WimhXeeBUcI/AAAAAAABf-Q/y6mewK38lnExlYpJKDzQtybY5YWXK9WegCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63ftDOlaq-0/WimhZTj-dcI/AAAAAAABf-Y/1DMfx5R21KAdYjT5UMv2tS3xghcolymFQCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63ftDOlaq-0/WimhZTj-dcI/AAAAAAABf-Y/1DMfx5R21KAdYjT5UMv2tS3xghcolymFQCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qq0ZHIrgCk/WimhbXht5_I/AAAAAAABf-c/5FvQIFM4RHIboBWxNfj4mFtMWfpexsZTQCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qq0ZHIrgCk/WimhbXht5_I/AAAAAAABf-c/5FvQIFM4RHIboBWxNfj4mFtMWfpexsZTQCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqI9VCc_QOk/WimhbhxsIWI/AAAAAAABf-g/DZpvXOx7ejQS3wWi8Q6WKnfoKmhb1bP1QCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqI9VCc_QOk/WimhbhxsIWI/AAAAAAABf-g/DZpvXOx7ejQS3wWi8Q6WKnfoKmhb1bP1QCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9wKPAym1D4/WimhdISQh7I/AAAAAAABf-k/feSRc8Y1ikolcSysxHpSR6G2K9wTfxk9gCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9wKPAym1D4/WimhdISQh7I/AAAAAAABf-k/feSRc8Y1ikolcSysxHpSR6G2K9wTfxk9gCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJyxHy-jWIk/WimhfaJj4-I/AAAAAAABf-o/MyGDQRDqGFQzYYWfYYRSaaQwyjAQ-J0SgCLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJyxHy-jWIk/WimhfaJj4-I/AAAAAAABf-o/MyGDQRDqGFQzYYWfYYRSaaQwyjAQ-J0SgCLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uO12EJllf58/WimhflB9YfI/AAAAAAABf-s/6TPlDAAGReYorIa9vZc5COsxg4_e0Ke0ACLcBGAs/s1600/CovUtd%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uO12EJllf58/WimhflB9YfI/AAAAAAABf-s/6TPlDAAGReYorIa9vZc5COsxg4_e0Ke0ACLcBGAs/s640/CovUtd%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-18223483862682536292017-12-04T06:59:00.000-08:002017-12-04T07:01:37.911-08:00Tiverton Town - Ladysmead<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxucK4ODWnU/WiVeHRKcEvI/AAAAAAABf7M/wp15BUgiRAwrcVri2Z-6XZmXp4m0J6s_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; text-align: start;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="872" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxucK4ODWnU/WiVeHRKcEvI/AAAAAAABf7M/wp15BUgiRAwrcVri2Z-6XZmXp4m0J6s_ACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="444" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Tiverton Town FC</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ladysmead</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Bolham Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Tiverton</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Devon</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">EX16 6SG</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">01884 252397</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tivertontownfc.com/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tivertontownfc" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tivertontownfc" target="_blank"></a></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 746<br />Saturday 2nd December 2017<br />Tiverton Town 3-2 Kings Langley<br />Southern Premier</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">TIVERTON TOWN FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was established in 1913 and were&nbsp;initially known as Tiverton Athletic. They spent the first 60 years of their history in local leagues such as the East Devon, North Devon and the Exeter &amp; District. In 1973, Tiverton made the step up to the Western League. When the league expanded into two tiers in 1976, Tiverton were&nbsp;placed in the Premier Division, gaining a 5th placed finish in 1979. Despite this, they were relegated to Division 1 two years later after finishing bottom. It took them some time to recover, with Tiverton finishing bottom of Division 1 in 1984. They eventually won promotion to the Premier Division 1989 as a runners-up spot behind Larkhall Athletic was good enough to see them go back up.This saw a huge change in the club's fortunes and Tiverton never finished below 4th after their return to the top tier. This included 4 league titles, but it was after a runners-up spot behind Taunton Town that they won promotion to the Southern League in 1999.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Starting in the D1 West, the excellent form continued with a 4th place finish in their first season, followed up by a runners-up&nbsp;spot behind Hinckley United in 2001. Two years later, Tiverton gained their best ever league finish when they finished 4th in the Southern Premier, which at the time sat at step 2 of the non-league pyramid. However, they missed out on promotion to the newly formed&nbsp; Conference South when they lost 3-1 to Dorchester Town in the playoff final. They remained in the Premier Division until 2011 when they finished 2nd bottom and were relegated to D1 South &amp; West. After failing to gain promotion in the 2013&nbsp;playoffs, Tiverton put things right last season, winning 2-0 in the playoff final at Salisbury to win promotion back to the Premier Division. This season has started very well, with Tiverton Town sitting in 3rd place at the start of the game.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfXxDpBWFd4/WiBm24WLEBI/AAAAAAABfuI/smRLHbiqfs4E53I4J8930_aQNjbKbITUQCLcBGAs/s1600/SLP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="701" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfXxDpBWFd4/WiBm24WLEBI/AAAAAAABfuI/smRLHbiqfs4E53I4J8930_aQNjbKbITUQCLcBGAs/s640/SLP.JPG" width="612" /></a><br /><br />Tiverton Town has had a number&nbsp;of good runs in the FA Cup, reaching the 1st Round on 7 occasions. Probably the most well known of these came in 1995 when they lost 3-1 at home to Leyton Orient. It was featured in the cult documentary '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvdCNgHKCwY" target="_blank">Orient - Club For A Fiver</a>' when in one of the few printable quotes from potty-mouthed&nbsp;manager John Sitton, he described Orient's performance as 'naive. The club has also won the FA Vase twice in succession, beating Tow Law Town in 1998 and Bedlington Terriers in 1999, that after finishing as runners-up to Bridlington Town in 1993. There was a notable run to the FA Trophy 5th Round in 2001 with victories over Sittingbourne, Aylesbury United, Hendon &amp; Boston United before a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Worksop Town. Local honours have been numerous with the Devon St Luke's Cup being lifted on ten occasions, the Devon Senior Cup twice, the Southern League Cup in 2007, five Western League Cups and the Western League Amateur Trophy twice.<br /><br />A number of notable players have turned out for Tiverton Town including former Wycombe men Chris Vinnicombe, Paul Buckle and Elliot Benyon. Others include Chris Curran whose own goal for Carlisle was Wycombe's first ever goal in the Football League, Kwame Ampadu, Steve Flack and Kurt Nogan. The town of Tiverton has a population of 21,335 according to the 2011 census and famous people to hail from Tiverton include 'chaser' Mark Labett and Bucks Fizz singer Bobby G.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRMYur6Mq1o/WiBm2zIJLfI/AAAAAAABfuM/d_yYCioGYfU6K2JaG6hu2LYoOTscRttqQCLcBGAs/s1600/Labett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="590" height="357" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRMYur6Mq1o/WiBm2zIJLfI/AAAAAAABfuM/d_yYCioGYfU6K2JaG6hu2LYoOTscRttqQCLcBGAs/s640/Labett.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I'd been wanting to visit Tiverton Town for some time now, seeing as it was the remaining ground that I needed to complete the top 7 levels of football in England (step 3 of non-league) or if you prefer the top 232 teams in the country. It was also a cracking ground and a club with a lot history. The only problem was, it was miles away and would cost me around £45 in petrol, all at a time when I was trying to cut down on my driving. The train was even worse, costing a disgraceful £95 return from High Wycombe. For a long time, I thought I'd be going to London, probably Lewisham Borough, as prices are a little more pocket-friendly in that neck of the woods. However, I then hit upon the idea of asking Kings Langley, who were playing at Tiverton this weekend, if they were doing a coach. I contacted them on Twitter to ask and received a prompt and friendly response that I could go on the player's coach for a tenner. This was an absolute steal, so I thanked them very much and booked on. Kings Langley had enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, playing at step 7 as recently as 2008. They enjoyed a double promotion in 2015 and 2016 to find themselves in the Southern Premier, last season staying up on goal difference last season. With just one team relegated this season, they were well clear of relegation, sitting in 20th at the start of the game.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VUa44bTyhc/WiRJdLxn88I/AAAAAAABf1w/vOOyxWfaNkAczOqFtQwluDqz8qxuv_ilgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VUa44bTyhc/WiRJdLxn88I/AAAAAAABf1w/vOOyxWfaNkAczOqFtQwluDqz8qxuv_ilgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">There was one player I recognised from Kings Langley's lineup - ace striker Mitchell Weiss. He had followed joint managers Ritchie Hanlon and Paul Hughes to Hayes and Yeading last season and scored a load of goals, following a budget cut at the Hertfordshire club. After being worshipped by my Hayes supporting pal Corey, he returned to Kings Langley after they stayed up at Hayes' expense, much to his chargrin and he has spent the time since winding up KIngs Langley fans on Twitter. The night before I watched the World Cup draw, England getting Belgium, Panama and Tunisia, just the sort of group that we should do well in, but usually mess up. I had a few drinks later on, leading to be going on an eBay spending spree, though in total my 3 items cost less than a tenner. I got to sleep around 11.30, waking naturally around 6 hours later. I wasn’t due to get up for another 90 minutes, but decided to get out of bed early and have a bath. After a fresh change of clothes, I had a sausage bap for breakfast while I watched TV. I left later than intended, at 7.35, but even with stopping to get a paper at Shell, I was still at the ground by 8.05. I got a quick picture of the ground for Instagram before joining the other Kings Langley fans as we waited for the coach. They were a nice friendly bunch and I noted to myself that I should come back and see them in a home game soon, having last been for a friendly against Hemel Hempstead back in 2014. <br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTZ5kZ5dD1Y/WiVfQXdIBhI/AAAAAAABf7U/MJELVgkrw6w7eAUaG2AHWSEl0SX5Tpm5wCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-12-02%2B13.16.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTZ5kZ5dD1Y/WiVfQXdIBhI/AAAAAAABf7U/MJELVgkrw6w7eAUaG2AHWSEl0SX5Tpm5wCLcBGAs/s640/2017-12-02%2B13.16.20.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The coach arrived at 8.25 and was a pretty smart one with part leather seats, better than the usual coaches I go on. We stopped briefly at Beaconsfield services to pick some players up before the long journey west. I read my Daily Star before listening to Jon Holmes on BBC Radio Kent at 10. There was a 45 minute stop at services while the players had something to eat, I just wanted to get to Tiverton and had a cornflake cake as a snack. I chatted to some Kings Langley fans while we waited for the midday departure. It was then just over an hour to Tiverton with me watching Notts County v Oxford City on my phone. We got there at 1.15 with me going to a cracking micropub called Courtenay's where I had a pint of Chucklehead cider which was very nice. It was the only new cider on offer, so I made my way to Wetherspoons not expecting much. But the White Ball Inn was amazing, a choice of around 30 ciders and my first one was an excellent new try in Hunts Anscombe Bay. I'm sure I'd been in this Wetherspoons before, having stayed in Tiverton once, but for the purposes of my list, it was a new pub. My third and final drink was another from Hunts, the Wobbler being another one full of flavour. From there it was a 15-minute walk to the ground. I got there 5 minutes before kick off, joining the Kings Langley fans behind the goal. It was a good contest, Tiverton eventually winning 3-2 and the match report from the Non-League Paper is below.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1P5SBK4G9U/WiRJbEqok_I/AAAAAAABf1g/faSu_C-RkNIPyPXi9wRn3OwhV57MCmlEACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="195" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1P5SBK4G9U/WiRJbEqok_I/AAAAAAABf1g/faSu_C-RkNIPyPXi9wRn3OwhV57MCmlEACLcBGAs/s400/Extras%2B3.JPG" width="151" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgbk5CcrLsQ/WiRJb8cPceI/AAAAAAABf1o/Om4Z1kQFOdUczz_ixEo_6lN8cGbKoOxWwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="212" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgbk5CcrLsQ/WiRJb8cPceI/AAAAAAABf1o/Om4Z1kQFOdUczz_ixEo_6lN8cGbKoOxWwCLcBGAs/s400/Extras%2B4.JPG" width="185" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIgYuTUEYzM/WiRJcCMSZ1I/AAAAAAABf1s/heb4SW_cv30ZymEtHGweyMucWuMS-Cz5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIgYuTUEYzM/WiRJcCMSZ1I/AAAAAAABf1s/heb4SW_cv30ZymEtHGweyMucWuMS-Cz5ACLcBGAs/s400/Extras%2B5.JPG" width="221" /></a><br /><br />The winner was very controversial, the referee admitting that he didn’t see the penalty award and relied on the linesman. After the game the few Kings Langley fans, including myself, were invited into the boardroom for a freebie sausage beans and chips, plus a drink. On the whole, Tiverton was a great friendly club to visit, with the young ‘ultras’ coming over and shaking our hands, despite some cheeky chants during the game. The hospitality was so good, we had a fair wait for the players after the game, with them having a well-earned drink. They were a very sociable bench and it wasn’t until nearly 7, with the coach driver fretting about his hours, that we got on our way.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbVKIHeR_rA/WiRJels7_tI/AAAAAAABf14/7blyc6Mcx4wsQ3eyQDxjzjrxG0rEPjc-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbVKIHeR_rA/WiRJels7_tI/AAAAAAABf14/7blyc6Mcx4wsQ3eyQDxjzjrxG0rEPjc-gCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />It was a bit of a pain hanging around without a pint, but I had to drive later on. I was glad to get back to the coach and have a can of Irn Bru and to charge my dead phone battery. The reason for the delay was a decent Premiership game, with Arsenal having Man United on the rack at times, but somehow losing 3-1. It was the main topic of the TalkSPORT phone in, which killed some of the time on the journey home. For some reason we stopped at services just half an hour into the journey, the players getting something to eat and I was glad of the toilet break. Half an hour later, we were on our way, the atmosphere being good on the way home, despite the loss. The players and fans had a sing-song on the way home and the team and club spirit seem excellent, probably the reason they are doing so well for a club of their size. There were plenty of good songs being played and that helped the journey pass. We did our drop off at Beaconsfield at 10.15 before heading back to the ground. I’d already decided that I’d be going to Coventry United v Bromsgrove Sporting on Wednesday, with fellow hopper Anwar back helping me out with petrol. We got back to the ground at 10.45 and after saying goodbye to everyone, I drove home. I got in just before 11.20, annoyingly with me up at 4 for work, I was wide awake and in no mood for sleep. I did eventually get to sleep at 12.30 but was still tired the next morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dw4vNstows/WiRJekIAfRI/AAAAAAABf10/PjpPTJI-ZcAeitOAPKSxJ-Igyp2a0SgXACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dw4vNstows/WiRJekIAfRI/AAAAAAABf10/PjpPTJI-ZcAeitOAPKSxJ-Igyp2a0SgXACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />LADYSMEAD is an excellent ground, with cover on all 4 sides. Three of these are terraced and one is a large main stand with a 520 seated capacity. Overall, there is another 3000 standing capacity, with the vast majority of that covered. At the ground are food and drink facilities that are above average and there is also a basic club shop.<br /><br />The club are very friendly and it was a pleasure to visit them. The town is very good, there’s an excellent Wetherspoons called The Old White Ball and an excellent micro pub called Courtenay’s. There’s also a number of other pubs and takeaways available, plus it’s only a short walk from the ground.<br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span></span><br /><br /><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b><br />One of the better grounds at step 3 (8)<br /><br /><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b><br />10 minutes walk from town, which has some excellent pubs (8)<br /><b><br />3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b>Was made to feel very welcome (9)<br /><br /><b>4: Value for money</b><br />£9 is one of the cheapest in the league (7)<br /><br /><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b><br />Both pretty decent (7)<br /><br /><b>6: Programme</b><br />A decent effort for £2 (7)<br /><br /><b>7: Game entertainment</b><br />A decent game which was competitive until the end (7)<br /><br /><b>8: Tea Bar</b><br />Reasonable choice and prices (7)<br /><br /><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b><br />Real ales but no real cider. Fairly large (6)<br /><br /><b>10: Club Shop</b><br />Fairly basic range (5)<br /><br /><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 100: 71<br />AVERAGE SCORE: 7.1<br />(4th out of 41 grounds reviewed this season)</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #444444;">GROUND PHOTOS</span>&nbsp;</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htwvYelJiAg/WiRJg_DjB2I/AAAAAAABf18/sspzIyOMB8QXSoLiXAzzy21gVY2bmFshgCLcBGAs/s1600/Tivvy%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htwvYelJiAg/WiRJg_DjB2I/AAAAAAABf18/sspzIyOMB8QXSoLiXAzzy21gVY2bmFshgCLcBGAs/s640/Tivvy%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXRjNCcPMRk/WiRJrwoJX7I/AAAAAAABf2g/hLYVeTJZF5AgGE8kU_KaF_rGxXWPxj43QCLcBGAs/s1600/Tivvy%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXRjNCcPMRk/WiRJrwoJX7I/AAAAAAABf2g/hLYVeTJZF5AgGE8kU_KaF_rGxXWPxj43QCLcBGAs/s640/Tivvy%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DEJb5Xc3X0Y/WiRJvpQd5jI/AAAAAAABf2o/-Zd92Skd9gMzGsSZIGub6pdyGj6Z4MxEwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tivvy%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DEJb5Xc3X0Y/WiRJvpQd5jI/AAAAAAABf2o/-Zd92Skd9gMzGsSZIGub6pdyGj6Z4MxEwCLcBGAs/s640/Tivvy%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1sAkkQpYnA/WiRJxW_CQ5I/AAAAAAABf2s/1YMJUQtOITshHhJk2l6GZui8BObdWeRwwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tivvy%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1sAkkQpYnA/WiRJxW_CQ5I/AAAAAAABf2s/1YMJUQtOITshHhJk2l6GZui8BObdWeRwwCLcBGAs/s640/Tivvy%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SL2fDr1PH80/WiRJxhCzV2I/AAAAAAABf2w/prTCT10pcFky2yu3N1jv4WnitZJOb6W8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Tivvy%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SL2fDr1PH80/WiRJxhCzV2I/AAAAAAABf2w/prTCT10pcFky2yu3N1jv4WnitZJOb6W8ACLcBGAs/s640/Tivvy%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50aRl7cY82A/WiRJy01357I/AAAAAAABf20/lQU_Pb3XxyUc3KaHULU43NkTFdRE1sKFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tivvy%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50aRl7cY82A/WiRJy01357I/AAAAAAABf20/lQU_Pb3XxyUc3KaHULU43NkTFdRE1sKFQCLcBGAs/s640/Tivvy%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a 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href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qmm7dzaMwA/WiRJqHuBPxI/AAAAAAABf2c/EYbujbZ5bMU_G9UwmBA-2-qlGnlDqOpiACLcBGAs/s1600/Tivvy%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qmm7dzaMwA/WiRJqHuBPxI/AAAAAAABf2c/EYbujbZ5bMU_G9UwmBA-2-qlGnlDqOpiACLcBGAs/s640/Tivvy%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-78455287886457349622017-11-29T10:19:00.002-08:002017-11-29T10:25:14.152-08:00AFC Aldermaston - AWE Recreational Society<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUM61Ba0hE/Wh74omGcKKI/AAAAAAABftg/pr8DNDiyg4ckP4rXwnghMP7xf4dfW5wxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: start;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="883" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUM61Ba0hE/Wh74omGcKKI/AAAAAAABftg/pr8DNDiyg4ckP4rXwnghMP7xf4dfW5wxQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">AFC Aldermaston</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">AWE (West Gate Entrance)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Aldermaston Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Aldermaston</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Berkshire</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">RG7 4PR</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.afcaldermaston.co.uk/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></span><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/afcaldermaston" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Twitter</span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 745<br />Tuesday 28th November 2017<br />AFC Aldermaston 4-3 Milton United<br />Hellenic D1 East</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">AFC ALDERMASTON - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1952 and were nicknamed 'The Atom Men' or 'The Atomics' due to them being based at the Atomic Weapons Research&nbsp;Establishment. They were known as AWRE FC up until the early&nbsp;70s and have played in local leagues for most of their history. Spells in the more well-established leagues started with a spell in the Hellenic D1 where finishes ranged from 7th in their debut season of 1979/80 to 16th in 1985/86 when they left the league after finishing bottom. Spells in various Hampshire leagues followed - at the turn of the century, reorganisation saw Aldermaston placed in the Hampshire Premier. They struggled with the two division step up and in 2004 joined the Wessex League. Fortunes were mixed here with a 14th placed finish in Division 1 being their best finish in 2009. The following year was a disaster, with them losing a record 40 consecutive games, unsurprisingly being relegated back to the Hampshire League after winning one game all season. There then followed a series of mid-table finishes, with Aldermaston switching to the Thames Valley Premier League in 2014. Following a 7th placed finish in 2016, they made the step back up to the Hellenic Division 1 East. Their second debut last season saw a credible 7th placed finish, both their best finish in the Hellenic League and in the current football pyramid. This season sees them sitting third-bottom in 12th place, although they have a few games in hand on other teams around them and stand a good chance of a result against second-bottom Milton United.<br /><br />AFC Aldermaston made their FA Vase bow this season but went out at the first hurdle after losing 3-2 at home to Romsey Town in a 1st Qualifying Round tie. The club has had no players that have gone on to greater things, but their groundsman used to be Eddie Seaward who left to join the All England Lawn Tennis Club in 1990 and won an OBE in 2007 for 'Services To Sport'</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXG37yT8J3g/WhxL8Nb0EFI/AAAAAAABfpo/cPPk1FcgZ6M888WVmzxUFLd9qiPWaXQYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="701" height="423" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXG37yT8J3g/WhxL8Nb0EFI/AAAAAAABfpo/cPPk1FcgZ6M888WVmzxUFLd9qiPWaXQYwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><b style="background-color: red;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Once more, fellow groundhopper Anwar was unavailable as he was skint, so I was on my own. I didn't mind, however, as there was a fairly local option at AFC Aldermaston and I'd been looking to keep the mileage down anyway. The weather was looking chilly again, with temperatures forecast at 3 degrees. Just in case, I had Basingstoke as a backup should I suffer a late postponement although with me trying to keep costs down, the £12 entry wasn’t ideal. I certainly wouldn’t mind visiting again though, before it goes at the end of the season, but I’d rather save it for a bigger game. On the day of the game, I woke at 6.30 am, though that wasn't too much of a problem as I'd gone to bed at 10.30 and am usually up at 4 for work. I did my usual 4-mile walk down town, having lunch and getting a lift back with my Dad. I spent the afternoon at home, having steak and chips before leaving at 6.10. It was a good journey over and the Two Mikes podcast kept me company for the hour journey. I followed another car into the sports complex, sitting in the car park for 10 minutes before going in.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cT1S91nJp_w/Wh74qyRF1RI/AAAAAAABftw/lqYUa7-rc0sCBcVlrjpf3xx6X0lhI4evQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cT1S91nJp_w/Wh74qyRF1RI/AAAAAAABftw/lqYUa7-rc0sCBcVlrjpf3xx6X0lhI4evQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I was given a nice welcome at the gate, paying an excellently priced £4 including programme to get in. After getting some pictures of the basic but well kept ground, I went and stood on the elevated pavilion balcony to watch the game. The game started at a good pace with AFC Aldermaston well on top and they forced a corner and an excellent save from Milton keeper Craig Griffiths in the opening few minutes. The visitors had some chances of their own, although mainly on the break, even having a shot cleared off the line. The story of the opening half hour tended to be a lack of quality in the final third though. Milton opened the scoring on 34 minutes thanks to Joe Morgan's excellent right-footed volley from the edge of the area. A couple of minutes before halftime, the hosts got a deserved equaliser, Craig Masterton heading home a Luke Mitchell corner. However, their joy was short-lived as Milton retook the lead in the last minute of the half, Jordan Goddard netting from close range after good work down the right.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6FFCh-MggM/Wh74rgVfAhI/AAAAAAABft0/IJ2X1C-sQvg20XE_DYQ60pvZ9RNnaY7XQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6FFCh-MggM/Wh74rgVfAhI/AAAAAAABft0/IJ2X1C-sQvg20XE_DYQ60pvZ9RNnaY7XQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Aldermaston looked to change things at halftime with a double substitution. They were rewarded on 50 minutes when Callum Easton drilled home from the edge of the area, his shot finding the bottom left-hand corner. They nearly took the lead soon after when an excellent 30-yard dipping shot was tipped over the bar by Griffiths. It eventually was 3-2 on 65 minutes, a curling shot by Masterton into the roof of the net giving the hosts the lead.&nbsp; On 76 minutes Masterton completed his hat trick, making it 4-2 with another shot into the roof of the net to seemingly end the game as a contest. However, Milton United staged a late rally, pulling a penalty back after a foul just inside the area on 78 minutes. Despite having a shot cleared off the line, the visitors couldn't find the equaliser.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I’d briefly checked the bar at halftime, though didn’t buy anything. After the game, I said goodbye to Vinny and another hopper who had been good company during an exciting game. I left at 9.40, listening to the football results and reports coming in on the way home. I got in at 10.30, but couldn't get to sleep until 12, not ideal with me being up 4 hours later. I had a decision to make for my next game on Saturday, the eventual winner being Tiverton Town v Kings Langley, aided by the fact that I could travel on the away team's coach for a tenner, a real bargain with the train fare being ludicrously expensive.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-leAPX4X_-as/Wh74qGC_D3I/AAAAAAABfts/aSnutUL0f1cL4DbazTAIh5btjt6voxhBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1089" height="349" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-leAPX4X_-as/Wh74qGC_D3I/AAAAAAABfts/aSnutUL0f1cL4DbazTAIh5btjt6voxhBQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">AWE RECREATIONAL SOCIETY or the 'REC SOC' for short is one of the most basic venues at step 6 as it has no cover or seating. It's not without its charm though and is a well kept and pleasant place to watch football. The best viewing can be had from the pavilion staircase, this is well elevated and provides a great view of the action. There's a basic tea bar in this pavilion, serving hot drinks and snacks. Outside is a bar, part of the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, this is pretty decent, with a choice of real ales and proper meals, plus Strongbow for cider drinkers. There's plenty of parking, although it seems a fair way from the town or any other establishments.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Basic, but well kept (4)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Plenty of parking, but a bit isolated (4)</span><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A good welcome from all I spoke to (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">£4 including programme was excellent value (9)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Both were of a decent standard (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent effort for a freebie, well presented and had all the facts (7)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">An excellent contest that kept up a good pace all night (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Basic, but served its purpose on a cold night (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A smart venue with a proper menu (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">N/A</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF A POSSIBLE 90: 61</b></span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE: 6.77</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Td3U34k3k7g/Wh74WyjTbAI/AAAAAAABfsk/_W1HBMfZK5EUeX3oW9nGcwGI3-c_taVJACLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Td3U34k3k7g/Wh74WyjTbAI/AAAAAAABfsk/_W1HBMfZK5EUeX3oW9nGcwGI3-c_taVJACLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMN-RccjZ7I/Wh74gBKxWfI/AAAAAAABftA/Q1SrU-oLPdAePQ_CbrthFlOJ4RJX_hd-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMN-RccjZ7I/Wh74gBKxWfI/AAAAAAABftA/Q1SrU-oLPdAePQ_CbrthFlOJ4RJX_hd-QCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXzZFdapI-E/Wh74g1_WTNI/AAAAAAABftI/KfWpuVh66ioW8DFeiqpc4b-phZJy6aXZACLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXzZFdapI-E/Wh74g1_WTNI/AAAAAAABftI/KfWpuVh66ioW8DFeiqpc4b-phZJy6aXZACLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuS-H8bPDLc/Wh74jNNXihI/AAAAAAABftM/dW02zCc3Dfo_HsIggf0v5sOCjwII7tPPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuS-H8bPDLc/Wh74jNNXihI/AAAAAAABftM/dW02zCc3Dfo_HsIggf0v5sOCjwII7tPPgCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B4.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwESoTeydsU/Wh74lDJ0mlI/AAAAAAABftU/EillwW2y-DIPle5CtMJOvibGNH_beaSpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwESoTeydsU/Wh74lDJ0mlI/AAAAAAABftU/EillwW2y-DIPle5CtMJOvibGNH_beaSpgCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7E2KfPlQgg/Wh74j_PAKoI/AAAAAAABftQ/XI_FcqbXwU0aio1uN_VfPTpUxSzRRCe0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7E2KfPlQgg/Wh74j_PAKoI/AAAAAAABftQ/XI_FcqbXwU0aio1uN_VfPTpUxSzRRCe0ACLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B6.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijW3T_woNGU/Wh74n4H_0hI/AAAAAAABftY/4UL4jLUtbUEqgsYZjvM-m-QGYZiDe0RuQCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijW3T_woNGU/Wh74n4H_0hI/AAAAAAABftY/4UL4jLUtbUEqgsYZjvM-m-QGYZiDe0RuQCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLc7JGKFXlY/Wh74oSjmb5I/AAAAAAABftc/jgrYpqm7TVoF2-ipI7SFQ9D5I7BLqzxjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLc7JGKFXlY/Wh74oSjmb5I/AAAAAAABftc/jgrYpqm7TVoF2-ipI7SFQ9D5I7BLqzxjQCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--79huD0XKvw/Wh74oriBHdI/AAAAAAABftk/HIXLXdgUGVwyY2L2ks68mqFabYI6JQZ1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--79huD0XKvw/Wh74oriBHdI/AAAAAAABftk/HIXLXdgUGVwyY2L2ks68mqFabYI6JQZ1wCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6CFZFMFRI8/Wh74XhFb22I/AAAAAAABfso/B-LNddm1dJMZ_ssy7JKC6lAuQ_AbwYOuwCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6CFZFMFRI8/Wh74XhFb22I/AAAAAAABfso/B-LNddm1dJMZ_ssy7JKC6lAuQ_AbwYOuwCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g49egGcdFA4/Wh74XwVtxFI/AAAAAAABfss/hEXsvl_mQIsmPDeg97h-_Qjd7BysulZzQCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g49egGcdFA4/Wh74XwVtxFI/AAAAAAABfss/hEXsvl_mQIsmPDeg97h-_Qjd7BysulZzQCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FI5K9WjC5jA/Wh74a8jI9aI/AAAAAAABfsw/-zuWN83H-jQbG_T8sn6mxgsIcpNcU_BAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FI5K9WjC5jA/Wh74a8jI9aI/AAAAAAABfsw/-zuWN83H-jQbG_T8sn6mxgsIcpNcU_BAgCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myaxoI4zROI/Wh74cn679MI/AAAAAAABfs0/K0AnIkpihW4pl2x5FJsoy0m7XMdz6rmywCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myaxoI4zROI/Wh74cn679MI/AAAAAAABfs0/K0AnIkpihW4pl2x5FJsoy0m7XMdz6rmywCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFGCcJ0vavo/Wh74c3WnwWI/AAAAAAABfs4/Kh7NgqgShQEM5O2gJ4FpYM_7ShqcMBDPwCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFGCcJ0vavo/Wh74c3WnwWI/AAAAAAABfs4/Kh7NgqgShQEM5O2gJ4FpYM_7ShqcMBDPwCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEDARaj4g04/Wh74dK-7j5I/AAAAAAABfs8/bB7O5V7EfAMcfAPeJfv88RCNJUXTsIJsQCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEDARaj4g04/Wh74dK-7j5I/AAAAAAABfs8/bB7O5V7EfAMcfAPeJfv88RCNJUXTsIJsQCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZqCs7guoII/Wh74goaFqgI/AAAAAAABftE/V9T0xNNooNY3-X1bfaqml6jugJgTFMyZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ald%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZqCs7guoII/Wh74goaFqgI/AAAAAAABftE/V9T0xNNooNY3-X1bfaqml6jugJgTFMyZgCLcBGAs/s640/Ald%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-55174317689742883582017-11-25T10:44:00.004-08:002017-11-25T10:45:53.937-08:00Whitchurch United - Longmeadow Sports Centre<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYVWhAMdUYE/Whmx2Y582QI/AAAAAAABfmU/WNSgpiOL3Ms82I4_6cRMhbvzTg3mrZHEACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="858" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYVWhAMdUYE/Whmx2Y582QI/AAAAAAABfmU/WNSgpiOL3Ms82I4_6cRMhbvzTg3mrZHEACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whitchurch United</div><div style="text-align: center;">Longmeadow Sports Centre</div><div style="text-align: center;">Winchester Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whitchurch</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hampshire</div><div style="text-align: center;">RG28 7RB</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/whitchurchutdfc" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/whitchurchutd" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/whitchurchutd" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 744</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Friday 24th November 2017<br />Whitchurch United 2-3 Andover New Street<br />Wessex League D1<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;"><br />WHITCHURCH UNITED - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1903 when two local clubs - Whitchurch Rovers and Whitchurch Albion merged. They played in local leagues up until 1958 when they joined the Hampshire League. Several unremarkable seasons were spent here, until a change of fortunes in 1990 when they the Division 2 championship. They coped with the step up well and after a 4th placed finish in 1991, 3rd place was deemed good enough for promotion to the Wessex League the following year. Aside from 1994/95, when they dropped back down to the Hampshire League, they've remained there ever since. Whilst the Wessex League was a singular division, Whitchurch found success hard to come by, with the best finish coming in 1996 when they finished 13th. There were also three bottom-placed finishes and the third of these resulted in relegation to the newly formed Division 2 in 2004. A further relegation followed two years later although this was negated by the Wessex League cutting back to two divisions the following year. Gradually, results improved and in 2013, Whitchurch finished as runners-up behind Brockenhurst, winning promotion to the Wessex Premier in the process. Four seasons were spent in the higher division, with a best-ever finish of 6th in 2015. At the end of last season, the club was relegated after finishing second-bottom. This season, Whitchurch have started steadily, sitting in 12th at the start of the game, whereas visitors Andover New Street, were top.<br /><br />A number of campaigns have been enjoyed in the FA Cup, with the best run coming in 2011 when they beat Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Brading Town &amp; Brockenhurst before a 2-0 defeat at home to Gloucester City in the 2nd Qualifying Round. Success has been a little harder to find in the FA Vase, with two 1st round appearances in 2003 and 2015. Whitchurch United have also been runners-up in the Andover League Open Cup and the North Hants Senior Cup, both in 2013.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qJiR6mHEFk/WhcrdNCRitI/AAAAAAABfh8/ao7aziOTlHkLozAsDrua2nHBTINNcFa0gCLcBGAs/s1600/WESS1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="700" height="522" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qJiR6mHEFk/WhcrdNCRitI/AAAAAAABfh8/ao7aziOTlHkLozAsDrua2nHBTINNcFa0gCLcBGAs/s640/WESS1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">For the first time since June in the midweek before the game, I'd be without a game. I'd texted fellow hopper Anwar with a list of 7 options, most of them fairly close, but he turned them down, citing lack of funds. I looked at games to the south, but with the nearest unvisited or not recently visited ground being 75 miles away in AFC Stoneham, I decided not to bother. Instead, I stayed in and watched a good night of TV and got to sleep at 10.30 which was very welcome. It was a disappointing night on the football front though, with me losing a fiver on football bets and Wycombe succumbing to a 1-0 defeat up at Accrington Stanley. The whole reason for holding back was an upcoming game on Friday night. It was further away that I'd have liked as a driver at 60 miles each way, especially as I was on my own. That said, it was still my closest Wessex League team and one of my closest unvisited grounds, it was just a shame that I couldn't do it on the train.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHBo5hQr0NA/Whmx2Zvz37I/AAAAAAABfmY/V04KVImkOeczpycP7cxkcl8EG1VVgqLYACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHBo5hQr0NA/Whmx2Zvz37I/AAAAAAABfmY/V04KVImkOeczpycP7cxkcl8EG1VVgqLYACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="512" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">It was a tiring day at work on the day of the game and so after getting home just before 2 after a 9-hour shift, I was glad of a few hours rest to catch up with things. I left at 5, stopping at Morrisons in Wycombe on the way to pick up various items - including a decent 'Black Friday' deal of 10 Litres of Old Rosie cider for £15. I was looking forward to a chilled pint of it once I got home after a hard week at work. it being a cold one, I made sure I set my Twitter to warn me of any tweets that the game might be off, though the club had been confident earlier of it going ahead. It was going to be 3 degrees at kick off, according to the forecast and I was hoping that it wasn't going to be a case of 'When will I see you again?' if I suffered a postponement. Getting out of Morrisons was a pain, with it taking 20 minutes due to congestion. There was then a further ten minutes getting out of Wycombe. Another half hour delay on the M4 meant that it was a typical Friday evening on the roads. I got to the ground at 7.25, paying £6 to get in, plus £1 for a programme. After getting a decent portion of chips for £1, I walked around the ground getting pictures before picking a spot near the halfway line to watch the game from before it kicked off.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMv4wYCr_p8/Whmx5GCXF-I/AAAAAAABfmg/EPDwc5tSxQcZEzwdXGHQUW1Rbftsxi4SACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="399" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMv4wYCr_p8/Whmx5GCXF-I/AAAAAAABfmg/EPDwc5tSxQcZEzwdXGHQUW1Rbftsxi4SACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The game started fairly equally, with half chances for both, but not too much quality in the final third.&nbsp; Andover New Street scrambled the ball home, but the 'goal' was ruled out for offside. On 24 minutes Whitchurch United took the lead when Luke Neller capitalised on good work down the left when he lobbed home keeper Josh Cotton from around 12 yards. A couple of minutes later, Andover New Street drew level, this time it was Shane Lock heading home a corner. The score remained the at until halftime, with the visitors having the better of proceedings. They took the lead on 52 minutes when Craig Blakeman's cross from the left deceived the keeper and went in. Andover New Street extended their lead on 67 minutes when Casson Spencer chased down a defensive clearance and netted from the edge of the area. With the game looking safe, Whitchurch United staged a late rally. Tauren Maunders' cross-cum-shot from the right caught visiting keeper Dave Tasker out of position and set up a tense finish. Despite a couple of chances, the hosts couldn't find an equaliser and in the end, the visitors for the win that they deserved.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0E0HIS3wX0/Whmx5F0cPiI/AAAAAAABfmk/O3E9YIDx5d4nA-X-j0F343yrfvCpu0opwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0E0HIS3wX0/Whmx5F0cPiI/AAAAAAABfmk/O3E9YIDx5d4nA-X-j0F343yrfvCpu0opwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The game had quite a bit of stoppage time and it wasn't until 9.50 that I got away. The game had been a decent contest and the Friday night football had drawn a decent crowd. Despite the frozen conditions, 123 fans had turned up, including several hoppers. Once again, it proved that Friday night football was a crowd puller, as it was well up on the previous best attendance of 57. It's a mystery why more clubs don't give it a go, especially those who groundshare or get low attendances. There was only one downside and that was that they fanny around with the roads at weekend and with a big stretch of the M4 closed, a considerable amount of time and mileage was added to my journey. I had to go back via the M4 to Reading and then get the M4 back home from there. I eventually got in at 11.20 and started typing my blog whilst catching up on YouTube videos. I stayed up until 1 am, after a couple of pints of Old Rosie I dropped off pretty quickly but didn't have the best night's sleep.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SpjW5mWF4k/Whmx6dEMe0I/AAAAAAABfmo/UUsBlzB45zAzFVSODAJp6Ce4pMnsvg9UQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="1600" height="515" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SpjW5mWF4k/Whmx6dEMe0I/AAAAAAABfmo/UUsBlzB45zAzFVSODAJp6Ce4pMnsvg9UQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">LONGMEADOW is a pretty standard step 6 ground. There is a spacious stand, this seats 200 on benches. The leg room is good and the views reasonable despite supporting pillars. Aside this is a covered area of flat standing that could hold around another 100. The rest of the ground is open flat standing. The bar is fairly standard, it has Thatchers Gold on tap, though I didn't indulge so I don't know the prices. The tea bar was good, with a decent selection and the chips were well cooked and good value at £1. There's a decent sized car park at the ground, as well as local street parking.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Fairly decent ground for the level (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent amount of parking, town is 10 minutes walk (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A nice welcome from all (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">£6 was slightly above average, but not unreasonable (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A good Twitter and reasonable website (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A fair bit to read and only £1 (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">An enjoyable contest (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent selection at fair prices (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Fairly standard - has sports TV (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">N/A (-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF A POSSIBLE 90: 58</b></span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE: 6.44</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0CxuqgNFxU/Whmx-K6YahI/AAAAAAABfms/lyF3VAkCEk0eLg7_jUOSIlsItLEYy2WugCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0CxuqgNFxU/Whmx-K6YahI/AAAAAAABfms/lyF3VAkCEk0eLg7_jUOSIlsItLEYy2WugCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SmhLbgt7Ww/WhmyI8dx15I/AAAAAAABfnQ/8UIxT5HnplsGRUQ0iGcn35etAJsRf1oeQCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SmhLbgt7Ww/WhmyI8dx15I/AAAAAAABfnQ/8UIxT5HnplsGRUQ0iGcn35etAJsRf1oeQCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lvWAJrodSg/WhmyLrQ5JiI/AAAAAAABfnc/J8t8j2jCblYAmNck7I8cA6VHhzUinAQ0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lvWAJrodSg/WhmyLrQ5JiI/AAAAAAABfnc/J8t8j2jCblYAmNck7I8cA6VHhzUinAQ0gCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNlkAZ97crA/WhmyMY8jk2I/AAAAAAABfng/SxlBL2VPgME5KjWL3Jx_E_8fIZwCf2HgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNlkAZ97crA/WhmyMY8jk2I/AAAAAAABfng/SxlBL2VPgME5KjWL3Jx_E_8fIZwCf2HgQCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKS82xQ0IK8/WhmyKr61ABI/AAAAAAABfnU/EeQ7yycduVgyra0NbKZ2yjgqfj2_3PMrACLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1012" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKS82xQ0IK8/WhmyKr61ABI/AAAAAAABfnU/EeQ7yycduVgyra0NbKZ2yjgqfj2_3PMrACLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B5.jpg" width="405" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DtLuMEyWwGI/WhmyOfZ9XFI/AAAAAAABfnk/Xd2LxwFyuNw9JD396BCQL-jbnhHN-V21wCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DtLuMEyWwGI/WhmyOfZ9XFI/AAAAAAABfnk/Xd2LxwFyuNw9JD396BCQL-jbnhHN-V21wCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-nXh3r25e4/WhmyPV5QLyI/AAAAAAABfns/h4lgyUDzKLg0xmWeUc_Ul4_F-tOqVvzygCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-nXh3r25e4/WhmyPV5QLyI/AAAAAAABfns/h4lgyUDzKLg0xmWeUc_Ul4_F-tOqVvzygCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdizgVXRnME/WhmyPKz5TUI/AAAAAAABfno/X0QzdEY9v0YQtdF2Yj-E9sYF4MOzFy2kQCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1025" height="640" 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href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFTTJqT__GQ/Whmx-z6N-eI/AAAAAAABfm0/OeDzDyfSjnMzvxPTppg0iQ-0wTJ_B-LkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFTTJqT__GQ/Whmx-z6N-eI/AAAAAAABfm0/OeDzDyfSjnMzvxPTppg0iQ-0wTJ_B-LkgCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Df-7aa8s_2I/WhmyBlk5-LI/AAAAAAABfm4/NSeGoLcn7I86svHI0f2yPpcCfrfNTc11QCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Df-7aa8s_2I/WhmyBlk5-LI/AAAAAAABfm4/NSeGoLcn7I86svHI0f2yPpcCfrfNTc11QCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thJpVT4uDMw/WhmyDrvo93I/AAAAAAABfnA/DxaqKJjjEPYzRbhDjjdOzsfjO7pKzgyRgCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thJpVT4uDMw/WhmyDrvo93I/AAAAAAABfnA/DxaqKJjjEPYzRbhDjjdOzsfjO7pKzgyRgCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WIX2voXYvc/WhmyDrNd25I/AAAAAAABfm8/gIzMxFFvcDAub2Y6O2I-IOklZWrwcQ8fwCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WIX2voXYvc/WhmyDrNd25I/AAAAAAABfm8/gIzMxFFvcDAub2Y6O2I-IOklZWrwcQ8fwCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzndjTpwCWk/WhmyElgT49I/AAAAAAABfnE/3wVnaJjImyUCZjRg95T_5Ixjm03NagkIQCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzndjTpwCWk/WhmyElgT49I/AAAAAAABfnE/3wVnaJjImyUCZjRg95T_5Ixjm03NagkIQCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EV6dv1aXE48/WhmyIBStUOI/AAAAAAABfnI/xhiWH8jA4y8Qfk6xi0CcSNspPc6qog96ACLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EV6dv1aXE48/WhmyIBStUOI/AAAAAAABfnI/xhiWH8jA4y8Qfk6xi0CcSNspPc6qog96ACLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2M2Y8z2Chk/WhmyIlm69jI/AAAAAAABfnM/Bnwfx87NTkEoPPM5zMIfLEV7wYyXdF27wCLcBGAs/s1600/Whit%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2M2Y8z2Chk/WhmyIlm69jI/AAAAAAABfnM/Bnwfx87NTkEoPPM5zMIfLEV7wYyXdF27wCLcBGAs/s640/Whit%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-58285097369679836282017-11-17T17:36:00.002-08:002017-11-17T17:36:40.440-08:00FC Elmstead - The Dale<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gorj_8jjffc/Wg-LN8jTx_I/AAAAAAABfdY/CA_g2UZKBCUaQpJPfw_tnA2Z_MNmCmVcACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="851" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gorj_8jjffc/Wg-LN8jTx_I/AAAAAAABfdY/CA_g2UZKBCUaQpJPfw_tnA2Z_MNmCmVcACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="436" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">FC Elmstead</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">(groundshare with Holmesdale FC)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Dale</div><div style="text-align: center;">7 Oakley Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bromley</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kent</div><div style="text-align: center;">BR2 8HQ</div></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fcelmstead.co.uk/" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/FElmstead" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 743<br />Friday 17th November 2017<br />FC Elmstead 1-3 K Sports<br />SCEL D1</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">FC ELMSTEAD - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was founded in 1958 as Elmstead Rovers, changing their name to the present one in 1964. After starting out as a Sunday League side, they progressed to local Saturday football. The club has progressed greatly in recent years. After joining the Kent County in 2013, they enjoyed two promotions in a row. Firstly in 2013/14, they finished as runners-up to Stansfield OBC Reserves in Division 3 West and then again to the same team in Division 2 West in 2014/15. In 2015 they joined the Kent Invicta League. This was rebranded as the Southern Counties East League Division 1 the following season and FC Elmstead have posted two 11th place finishes so far. This season, they have improved greatly and are in 4th place prior to tonight's game.<br /><br />FC Elmstead have not yet entered the FA Cup, but they do have a couple of years FA Vase experience under their belt. They made their best progress last season - beating Southwick and AFC Uckfield before losing to Sporting Club Thamesmead in the 1st Round. The most famous player to play for FC Elmstead is defender Colin Foster - he went on to play for Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Leyton Orient &amp; Watford. The club have been based in Chislehurst and Coney Hall in the past, but currently groundshare at Holmesdale FC in Bromley<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kCnaAku4Os/Wg-LN3TsPmI/AAAAAAABfdU/8LbHDjaPYd0atEWWNQlsf-4CtjUHamXBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="594" height="371" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kCnaAku4Os/Wg-LN3TsPmI/AAAAAAABfdU/8LbHDjaPYd0atEWWNQlsf-4CtjUHamXBgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I always enjoy a bit of Friday night football but had been unable to find any for around a month. What with the weather getting worse, the choice was limited, so I was glad when FC Elmstead announced a home game on this Friday. It had the bonus of being doable on the train, meaning that I'd be able to leave my car at the station and use the train for the most part. The only drawback was that the ground was a couple of miles away from the station, but at least buses were fairly regular.&nbsp; After checking the weather earlier in the week, I spent the latter half looking forward to the game but was unsure whether to stop in central London en route or go straight to Bromley. On the day of the game, it was a busy day at work, and I didn't get out until 1,15, after buying some shopping. I came home, had some burgers for lunch before having a bath. I had a few things to sort out at home, so after getting ready, I left at 3.25. My decision had been made for me with regards to what to do before the game, with time not on my side, I decided to go straight to Bromley South station.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQYb_lLDnS4/Wg-LVJ1QzpI/AAAAAAABfdk/DUVwKWN25JcuSLyrpKJbXUa4KhrntWx8QCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQYb_lLDnS4/Wg-LVJ1QzpI/AAAAAAABfdk/DUVwKWN25JcuSLyrpKJbXUa4KhrntWx8QCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I got to a side road near Amersham station and parked up. Typically, I just missed the train. The platform was very busy and despite charging peak prices, they were offering an off-peak service, with another 20 minutes to wait until the next train. I got the train at 4.06 and was glad to grab a single seat. I read my paper and listened to the Two Mikes podcast to pass the time. After changing at Marylebone, Oxford Circus and Victoria, I got to Bromley South station at 5.35. It was straight across the road to Wetherspoons number 148, the Richmal Compton where I had their festive chicken and stuffing burger. I had to make do with Strongbow as they were out of Thatchers Gold, but it was decent for £8. Even if they diddled me out of the two pigs in blankets, a point that I couldn't be bothered to raise, even if they are my favourite thing about Christmas. With the other Wetherspoons in Bromley being a mile away in the opposite direction and me not fancying another pint, I decided to walk the 2.5 miles to the ground. I got there at 7.15, seeing Dulwich fan and groundhopper in denial Mishi at the turnstile. Entry was a good value £6 including programme and after getting some pictures of the bar, I went outside to get some snaps of the ground. There were no flat pack stands here, it was refreshing to see everything built from scratch, with the ground in a nice setting too.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQjMRo6BlDw/Wg-LUM3_AWI/AAAAAAABfdc/AieQF4RKKQ8TJFTtGfvrYt2tclIJfeKFgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQjMRo6BlDw/Wg-LUM3_AWI/AAAAAAABfdc/AieQF4RKKQ8TJFTtGfvrYt2tclIJfeKFgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The game started off bang on time, maybe a bit early in fact. The first chance fell to the hosts, with a low shot behind flicked wide of the right-hand post and it was indeed Elmstead that started the brightest. K Sports fashioned a similar chance on 10 minutes as the sought away back into the game, with one of their players requiring brief treatment as he collided with the pitch surround. It was 1-0 to the visitors on 17 minutes, a diagonal ball played into the box and a low finish from the edge of the six-yard box by James Alderman. The visitors had capitalised on a spell of dominance, but the hosts kept having chances of their own. It was 2-0 on 31 minutes after poor marking allowed Bailey Pearce to finish with a low shot from the edge of the area. FC Elmstead grabbed a goal back six minutes from the break as the visiting defence was caught napping and Charlie Sharman finished from just inside the area. The halftime break came and I got a decent portion of chips from the tea bar. The hosts came close to equalising on 49 minutes, the K Sports keeper needing to be at his best to tip a speculative shot over the bar. Ten minutes into the second half, the visitors sealed the game, an initial shot was saved, but Caine Smith followed up by chipping the ball over the stranded keeper. Both sides had chances after that, most notably the home side had a shot cleared off the line, but it wasn't to be their night. The visitors slowed the pace of the game down and as a result, the last 20 minutes saw very few chances.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xP2nCEu4wTQ/Wg-LUu1Pn1I/AAAAAAABfdg/S-IS48QTcYEeesgsagi44b7lgTiUlksFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="1600" height="555" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xP2nCEu4wTQ/Wg-LUu1Pn1I/AAAAAAABfdg/S-IS48QTcYEeesgsagi44b7lgTiUlksFQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After the game, it was just under 10 minutes to the bus stop, as I didn't fancy the long walk. I went via Orpington station this time, as it was slightly more convenient. The bus got to the station just after 10 and I then had just over 10 minutes to wait before my train. I went to London Bridge, ironically one of my favourite parts of London, what with it having Borough Market and a few good pubs. The market was long closed and I avoided the temptation of a pint as I had to drive after my train journey. The train was really smart, nice and modern with tables and comfy seats, me wishing they were all like this. It was a fair walk to get to the underground station, which was a lot busier. I was just a bit too late to get the earlier train, but after changes at Finchley Road and Harrow on the Hill, I got back to Amersham at just after midnight. It took me another 20 minutes to get home after walking back to my car. I got in and had a can of cider whilst writing this blog and watching YouTube videos, having enjoyed my end to the week.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6qFBRdejyw/Wg-LqZLLe3I/AAAAAAABfeA/-8nFu-Bx9SwBSo34SZOIdL1RYvKRY5fkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6qFBRdejyw/Wg-LqZLLe3I/AAAAAAABfeA/-8nFu-Bx9SwBSo34SZOIdL1RYvKRY5fkwCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">THE GROUND&nbsp;</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The Dale or Oakley Road as it is sometimes known is a classic non-league ground. Both the areas of cover have a very rustic feel to them, built with scaffolding. The seated stand is steep and as such offers good views, despite the supporting poles. The seats are padded too and the stand holds just over a hundred undercover. There is standing behind the goal for the same amount under cover, whilst the rest of the ground is open and despite being old is well kept.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">There's an average bar and a decent tea bar present, but no club shop that I saw. The ground is a bit off the beaten track and you face a fair walk (or a bus) from either Bromley or Orpington. The former is probably your best bet if you fancy something pre-match - it has two Wetherspoons and a range of other pubs and food places. It's also the nearest town. Parking at the ground is limited, but there is a fair amount of street parking available.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A classic non-league ground, worth a visit and offers all the cover you will need on a normal match day (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A few bus routes are a short walk away, parking limited, not much in the immediate vicinity (5)</span><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A nice welcome at the turnstile. (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Common sense value at £6 including programme (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Interactive Twitter, website not up to much though (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Cover price of £1, few bits to read and some stats (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent clash lost its spark towards the end (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Burgers, chips and hot drinks, more than most at this level (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Basic but homely (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">N/A</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF A POSSIBLE 90: 59</b></span><br /><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE: 6.56</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span></b></span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J2HeEeOCUw4/Wg-LVg8IiRI/AAAAAAABfdo/I73vENVd_640yU9xsCdvL0B8XaslWbs5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1491" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J2HeEeOCUw4/Wg-LVg8IiRI/AAAAAAABfdo/I73vENVd_640yU9xsCdvL0B8XaslWbs5ACLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B1.jpg" width="596" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blFj2XGPsjc/Wg-Lq5e9MwI/AAAAAAABfeE/vefyvym7KeYsI-jlerWS8jkdObdXXB39QCLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1546" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blFj2XGPsjc/Wg-Lq5e9MwI/AAAAAAABfeE/vefyvym7KeYsI-jlerWS8jkdObdXXB39QCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B2.jpg" width="618" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkmc592tBgI/Wg-Lrxbc4NI/AAAAAAABfeI/17qfWhqPYt8OOnrQR1qyKuLriKac4Yj7wCLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="1600" height="621" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkmc592tBgI/Wg-Lrxbc4NI/AAAAAAABfeI/17qfWhqPYt8OOnrQR1qyKuLriKac4Yj7wCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ae8okP2g9nU/Wg-LuzxZa1I/AAAAAAABfeU/4DubN_VeqTwWcB8rv0H9Mzp6wEC-fy-qgCLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ae8okP2g9nU/Wg-LuzxZa1I/AAAAAAABfeU/4DubN_VeqTwWcB8rv0H9Mzp6wEC-fy-qgCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbG9oTdTCVM/Wg-LuzTbhmI/AAAAAAABfeQ/Mqi4XIEx0dgyRAuJD1shKSb18oxlgjBfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbG9oTdTCVM/Wg-LuzTbhmI/AAAAAAABfeQ/Mqi4XIEx0dgyRAuJD1shKSb18oxlgjBfQCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a 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src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8_Rz3OMa7o/Wg-LxdpCTCI/AAAAAAABfeg/IlB_5uI6p60KL0ZSTriqyaMER0quGLz4wCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_DJwkuxGjg/Wg-Lxo_10oI/AAAAAAABfek/YVUAg6r44dsaQdInSTsWaCozNSnyYCEXACLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="1600" height="502" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_DJwkuxGjg/Wg-Lxo_10oI/AAAAAAABfek/YVUAg6r44dsaQdInSTsWaCozNSnyYCEXACLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6vq7jDcCmI/Wg-Lb4aZSMI/AAAAAAABfds/q95PvMn_dPk-mClmD6PsrUaRPSnT2NIvgCLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6vq7jDcCmI/Wg-Lb4aZSMI/AAAAAAABfds/q95PvMn_dPk-mClmD6PsrUaRPSnT2NIvgCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6wpC3bV58o/Wg-Lf4Y3OuI/AAAAAAABfd0/OxZEexMctcIykh_i3zReDSqgbyVZc4zDwCLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6wpC3bV58o/Wg-Lf4Y3OuI/AAAAAAABfd0/OxZEexMctcIykh_i3zReDSqgbyVZc4zDwCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4JVcxgxvv8/Wg-LfxSrT5I/AAAAAAABfdw/p_ui7S0oyAMsYdpTV4I18Wo2roBqsGfRACLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4JVcxgxvv8/Wg-LfxSrT5I/AAAAAAABfdw/p_ui7S0oyAMsYdpTV4I18Wo2roBqsGfRACLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKLWj2yWEaM/Wg-LpYVRwuI/AAAAAAABfd4/O2zWly9gmOM-cTwdE08TMv9E9G3gFV_zACLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKLWj2yWEaM/Wg-LpYVRwuI/AAAAAAABfd4/O2zWly9gmOM-cTwdE08TMv9E9G3gFV_zACLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87mfHp40SQk/Wg-LqWUU3dI/AAAAAAABfd8/-2RCOTAnxZEgI0SG2c_NpknYcDtkFr7WgCLcBGAs/s1600/Holmes%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87mfHp40SQk/Wg-LqWUU3dI/AAAAAAABfd8/-2RCOTAnxZEgI0SG2c_NpknYcDtkFr7WgCLcBGAs/s640/Holmes%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-64898960704466496322017-11-15T10:47:00.006-08:002017-11-15T10:47:48.862-08:00Desborough Town - Waterworks Field<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SauwuUQaDIw/WgyIlFXpD4I/AAAAAAABfa8/tQNsRkFkCNUPKPU4MPcnwVuAqSXdiUIZACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="876" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SauwuUQaDIw/WgyIlFXpD4I/AAAAAAABfa8/tQNsRkFkCNUPKPU4MPcnwVuAqSXdiUIZACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="449" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Desborough Town</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waterworks Field</div><div style="text-align: center;">Braybrooke Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Desborough</div><div style="text-align: center;">Northamptonshire</div><div style="text-align: center;">NN14 2LJ</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">01536 761350</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/desboroughtown" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/desboroughfc" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Number: 742<br />Tuesday 14th November 2017<br />Desborough Town - Kirby Muxloe<br />United Counties League - Premier Division</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;"><br /><br />DESBOROUGH TOWN FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1896 and joined the Northamptonshire League in their first season. This became the United Counties League in 1934 and Desborough Town have played here for their entire history, save for a break during the second world war. Incredibly, they have remained in the top tier of the league for the entirety&nbsp;of their stay, though they had seasons to forget in 1955 and 1956 as they gained just one league win in the latter season and finished bottom of the league for the only times in their history. They've been champions on nine occasions, though not since 1966 and runners-up on a further six occasions. Recent seasons have tended to produce bottom-half finishes, with last season's 4th place finish being their best since 2007/08. This season, they've done fairly well and sat in 10th prior to tonight's clash.<br /><br />Desborough Town reached the 1st Round of the FA Cup for the first and only time in their history in 1926. They travelled to football league side Doncaster Rovers and were eight minutes away from gaining a home replay before the game was abandoned due to fog. They lost the rescheduled match 3-0 and in recent times their best effort has been the 2nd Qualifying Round, last reached in 1996 when they lost to Bilston Town with a replay. Desborough had a barren run in the FA Trophy in the 1970's, but have had a few good runs in the FA Vase. Their best progress came in 1980 when they defeated Newfoundpool WMC, Stapenhill, Ledbury Town, Rushden Town and Friar Lane Old Boys before a 5th Round defeat to eventual winners, Stamford. Local cup wins include the United Counties League Cup twice, the Northampton Senior Cup four times, the Northampton Junior Cup five times and the Maunsell Cup in 1924.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtnp-K-xnqk/WgnjmsIGiTI/AAAAAAABfYg/aPf7KIvfrCkRbkfh7jKSMabVRjxrnenaACLcBGAs/s1600/UCLP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="700" height="622" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtnp-K-xnqk/WgnjmsIGiTI/AAAAAAABfYg/aPf7KIvfrCkRbkfh7jKSMabVRjxrnenaACLcBGAs/s640/UCLP.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: blue; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b>MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I'd been wanting to visit Desborough Town for a while, but on the occasions that it did come up as an option, I'd avoided it due to the weather looking ropey and there being no backups nearby. This week, however, there were no such issues forecast and with it being the closest ground, that myself and fellow groundhopper Anwar had yet to visit, so we planned it in. The night before, I was in bed asleep by around 9.15, hoping to get a decent night's sleep in. I managed that, but still woke around 6 am which was annoying.&nbsp; After watching TV in bed for a couple of hours, I woke up and had some eggy bread for breakfast. After a bath and getting dressed, I did my usual day off ritual of walking down town&nbsp;before getting a lift back with my Dad. After lunch, I spent the afternoon watching TV and updating my blog for tonight and other upcoming games. I needed to get some fuel for tonight's game, so I left home at 4.15. Annoyingly, my local station was closed, so I'd have to get some en route. Surprisingly, the usually overpriced 'Jet' station was the same price as Morrisons had been that morning, so I filled right up with diesel.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hYp8ORsG_ns/WgyImpVsymI/AAAAAAABfbI/6sZdmu-wFDAkXIapvWPawIQZxlgiGDAGACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1096" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hYp8ORsG_ns/WgyImpVsymI/AAAAAAABfbI/6sZdmu-wFDAkXIapvWPawIQZxlgiGDAGACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="438" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I met Anwar at 5 and we were soon on our way. There was the usual slow getting out of Aylesbury and then through the roundabout loving Milton Keynes. All the constant directions on the sat nav were annoying when I was trying to listen to the confession on Simon Mayo's Radio 2 show. We got to Desborough at 7 and went in search of food. With it being a very small town, there were not many choices for dinner that were immediately obvious. All too often, the lack of competition, the prices are expensive and portions small, but not in this case. We went to TA Brothers Fish Bar where I had spring roll and chips for £2.50. Everything was freshly cooked, portions were decent and it tasted nice, so a thumbs up from me. It was also nice to be able to eat our dinner in the warm shop, rather than outside, albeit standing up. We got to the ground at 7.30, paying a bargain £5 to get in, plus another £1 for a programme. After getting some pictures of the ground, we settled down along the side, near the halfway line and waited for the game to start. Desborough had triumphed 7-4 against Pinxton in the FA Vase at the weekend in a real goalfest, whilst Kirby Muxloe had won 5-2 at Sleaford in the league. I was, therefore, hoping for a few goals, but it turned out not to be the case.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oWj4GUA51U/WgyInUrNMkI/AAAAAAABfbM/om-4vHGwM5EvVem_MumscuZ0WOJ9SuhxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1526" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oWj4GUA51U/WgyInUrNMkI/AAAAAAABfbM/om-4vHGwM5EvVem_MumscuZ0WOJ9SuhxwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="610" /></a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JLIEcpJnnE/WgyIojf7I1I/AAAAAAABfbQ/VWmEBsVjFdwRNHBgCKS5QSv21u_8KN3BgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JLIEcpJnnE/WgyIojf7I1I/AAAAAAABfbQ/VWmEBsVjFdwRNHBgCKS5QSv21u_8KN3BgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Before the game, the referee James Wetherall called the two captains together, asking for their support. 'We're only human, we might make mistakes, but please respect us' were his words, which seemed fair enough. One of the Kirby Muxloe bench&nbsp;had a bit of a whinge at a few decisions, but there was no bad language, which was a nice change from other games at this level. The visitors would have been happy with their start, with them forcing a series of corners early on and restricting Desborough to very little play. One of the Kirby Muxloe forwards charged home keeper Chris Jones and though a free kick was rightly given, it didn't stop the custodian making a couple of great saves. It was still goalless at the break and although Desborough had a great chance at the start of the second half, it was Kirby Muxloe who took the lead five minutes into the second period. Home keeper Jones lost track of the ball and felled a Kirby Muxloe forward. A penalty was awarded and with a successful conversion, the visitors led 1-0.&nbsp; Kirby Muxloe remained on top throughout and despite a late rally by Desborough, they hung on. There was a brief delay near the end, as the balls had run out, meaning that after sorting my stuff out, we didn't leave until 9.45. Listening to the football on the way home, with England having drawn 0-0 with Brazil and Ireland having crashed 5-1 at home to Denmark, I dopped Anwar off at 11.05. I got home myself at 11.30 and after staying up for around 25 minutes drifted off to sleep around midnight.<br /><br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0p5agrBj2BI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0p5agrBj2BI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The Waterworks Field is one of the better grounds at step 5 and has plenty of cover. The old stand has bench seating and a capacity of 250. There's further cover to the right-hand side and also behind the goal for a further 800 spectators (approx) With the rest of the ground being open, there's an overall capacity of around 2000. The town is close by and has a decent choice, whilst at the ground is a bar, although I didn't encounter the tea bar.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent venue (7)</span><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Parking limited, around half a mile from town (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A nice welcome (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A fiver at this level is excellent (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Reasonably regular updates on both (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Not a huge amount to read, had all the essentials and only £1 (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Average, a little one sided (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Didn't see (-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Cosy, not a huge selection, had Doombar for real ale drinkers (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">N/A (-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 80: 53</b></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE: 6.63</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGVyoJfTBFQ/WgyIWRjXwjI/AAAAAAABfaI/eVAgetdo3DkDvcaEeLDeGhAmMZjbiaUaACLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGVyoJfTBFQ/WgyIWRjXwjI/AAAAAAABfaI/eVAgetdo3DkDvcaEeLDeGhAmMZjbiaUaACLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpr1eUEUtmE/WgyIdv3ifDI/AAAAAAABfaY/D1FxebA9VtAyEu4LetAGctj-6cyLB0yoACLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpr1eUEUtmE/WgyIdv3ifDI/AAAAAAABfaY/D1FxebA9VtAyEu4LetAGctj-6cyLB0yoACLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBRNq8kXk8s/WgyIeK4vn5I/AAAAAAABfag/SC7UModsgXojsetdr4zDXLwGJ_d9-Rm9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBRNq8kXk8s/WgyIeK4vn5I/AAAAAAABfag/SC7UModsgXojsetdr4zDXLwGJ_d9-Rm9gCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_G-ww9EzpU/WgyIgju4hpI/AAAAAAABfak/FxkDZJgY0lEpRz4o8czVFaZwjOG3J6NowCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_G-ww9EzpU/WgyIgju4hpI/AAAAAAABfak/FxkDZJgY0lEpRz4o8czVFaZwjOG3J6NowCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3F7A5wGB1mA/WgyIhlM-06I/AAAAAAABfaw/TaDPImlRTtQfuCGlKlEe1mFPB0aji_kMQCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3F7A5wGB1mA/WgyIhlM-06I/AAAAAAABfaw/TaDPImlRTtQfuCGlKlEe1mFPB0aji_kMQCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTvmx2-jINQ/WgyIhTdxRMI/AAAAAAABfas/Wr_auWAI2-MCnzjKwjoNEIqhzC_5ZworQCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTvmx2-jINQ/WgyIhTdxRMI/AAAAAAABfas/Wr_auWAI2-MCnzjKwjoNEIqhzC_5ZworQCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y2Of_eGaXI/WgyIjy0Kc6I/AAAAAAABfa0/xzkLtwcaxPgjqjcpgfPXYva2rLZhMe-IQCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y2Of_eGaXI/WgyIjy0Kc6I/AAAAAAABfa0/xzkLtwcaxPgjqjcpgfPXYva2rLZhMe-IQCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTP9DbI-_9E/WgyIlpmcPrI/AAAAAAABfbA/x3naMBzpdToKgpgwiLEkVjAqvblxn4QaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTP9DbI-_9E/WgyIlpmcPrI/AAAAAAABfbA/x3naMBzpdToKgpgwiLEkVjAqvblxn4QaQCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhwrvltuqKA/WgyIl2ncrJI/AAAAAAABfbE/K0g1myJ-49U6Dfi1AMBYOPQizJVUQt4gQCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhwrvltuqKA/WgyIl2ncrJI/AAAAAAABfbE/K0g1myJ-49U6Dfi1AMBYOPQizJVUQt4gQCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utZ0gVVfNUY/WgyIVoEtB3I/AAAAAAABfaA/01w4Im8Mkw4JrI1qGqG0grdTqeJvY4PSwCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utZ0gVVfNUY/WgyIVoEtB3I/AAAAAAABfaA/01w4Im8Mkw4JrI1qGqG0grdTqeJvY4PSwCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnbpfY1lPrE/WgyIV9lGfxI/AAAAAAABfaE/_D5qdHh3HyUEk-JoI77nlb2v0aJCNjm9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WnbpfY1lPrE/WgyIV9lGfxI/AAAAAAABfaE/_D5qdHh3HyUEk-JoI77nlb2v0aJCNjm9gCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vP0WNvwXpFY/WgyIZii9vKI/AAAAAAABfaM/19iB6Id5I1ow_b2oUNPzJl4O54SRCKFmACLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vP0WNvwXpFY/WgyIZii9vKI/AAAAAAABfaM/19iB6Id5I1ow_b2oUNPzJl4O54SRCKFmACLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7jJgtaRzeo/WgyIZrYQovI/AAAAAAABfaQ/A1rQUh9d4IIKwimjUU72qPn2uaakXYVDgCLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7jJgtaRzeo/WgyIZrYQovI/AAAAAAABfaQ/A1rQUh9d4IIKwimjUU72qPn2uaakXYVDgCLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUbeVjNlLu8/WgyIaWn3y1I/AAAAAAABfaU/7LJQvO8wWB00_FIv_JLXSdCqdAcwU7gXACLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUbeVjNlLu8/WgyIaWn3y1I/AAAAAAABfaU/7LJQvO8wWB00_FIv_JLXSdCqdAcwU7gXACLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaU5wnDPyyc/WgyIdm8PPRI/AAAAAAABfac/qvG8hnJq6pk2DKnx5_3WSK859D9pXIMUACLcBGAs/s1600/Desborough%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaU5wnDPyyc/WgyIdm8PPRI/AAAAAAABfac/qvG8hnJq6pk2DKnx5_3WSK859D9pXIMUACLcBGAs/s640/Desborough%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-58396322025021917862017-11-12T12:07:00.001-08:002017-11-12T12:38:27.139-08:00Gornal Athletic - Gornal Walk Stadium<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr5H-vYYJbY/WgimQbLyWAI/AAAAAAABfWU/iYTlTuC3WY8u_4u7YhvpbKQFZttLNGLHACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; text-align: start;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="887" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr5H-vYYJbY/WgimQbLyWAI/AAAAAAABfWU/iYTlTuC3WY8u_4u7YhvpbKQFZttLNGLHACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="452" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Gornal Athletic FC</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Garden Walk Stadium</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Garden Walk</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Dudley</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">West Midlands</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">DY3 2NR</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/gornalathleticfc" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Official Website</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/gornal_afc" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Number: 741<br />Saturday 11th November 2017<br />Gornal Athletic 1-0 Willenhall Town<br />West Midlands (Regional) League Division 1<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">GORNAL ATHLETIC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1945 and were known as Lower Gornal Athletic until a name change in 1972. They started out in the Worcestershire Combination, with finishes ranging three 5th places to a low of rock&nbsp;bottom in 1955. In 1963, they joined the West Midlands Regional League, finishing 4th two years later and staying in the Premier Division until relegation in 1980. A long spell in Division 1 followed, with Gornal Athletic remaining&nbsp;here until 1994 when they finished runners-up behind Stafford Town. A mixed spell followed and although the club would drop back down to the second tier for the 2003/04 season, they bounced straight back as champions. This sparked one of the most successful spells in the club's history with them finishing as runners-up to Tividale in 2011, before winning the WMRL Premier the following year. This earned Gornal Athletic promotion to the Midland Alliance and 2012/13 saw the best finish in the club's history with a 3rd place in what was then a step 5 league. Their joy was short-lived however and the club was relegated back to the West Midlands (Regional) League in 2014. Despite a brief recovery in the 2014/15 season, where Gornal finished 3rd in the WMRL Premier, the poor form continued, culminating in relegation to the WMRL Division 1 at the end of last season. This season has seen a slight improvement in results, with the club sitting in 7th place prior to today's game.<br /><br />Gornal Athletic's best ever run in the FA Cup came during the 1975/76 season. Starting in the 1st Qualifying Round, they beat Highgate United and Belper Town before going out to Nuneaton Borough after a 3-0 Third Qualifying Round replay. Four seasons previously, they reached the same stage of the FA Trophy, but they have mainly come in the FA Vase. The best run came in 2012/13 as Gornal Athletic beat Atherstone Town, Nuneaton Griff,</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Lye Town,</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;Coventry Sphinx, Boston Town, Wisbech Town &amp; Bodmin Town before a 3-1 Quarter Final defeat to eventual winners Spennymoor Town. Local honours include the Birmingham Midweek Cup, won in 2012 with a 3-0 victory over Black Country Rangers. Gornal is made up of two parts - Lower Gornal and Upper Gornal and is a part of Dudley. The population of Gornal is 12,992 and famous residents have included the former BBC Newsreader Sue Lawley.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUj_Hh7-o9g/WgST0k2Wm6I/AAAAAAABfSE/kJuvL8aEXWQpCA1yg8lbaTxd644ysFeCACLcBGAs/s1600/WMRL%2BPremier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="700" height="499" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUj_Hh7-o9g/WgST0k2Wm6I/AAAAAAABfSE/kJuvL8aEXWQpCA1yg8lbaTxd644ysFeCACLcBGAs/s640/WMRL%2BPremier.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><br />Back in mid-October, I realised that I had a free weekend for two weeks in a row. As ever I was keen to cut down on driving and so I decided that a trip on the train was in order. The previous week, I had been to London and more specifically Croydon, and so wanted to go somewhere different. Thanks&nbsp;to&nbsp;booking a couple of weeks or so in advance, I was able to secure a return from High Wycombe to Birmingham, plus bus options at either end for a shade over £17. Initially, I'd been hoping to go to Wolverhampton Sporting Club v Rugby Town in what looked a very good FA Vase tie. However, my bus ticket didn't stretch that far and not wanting to waste it, I started looking closer to Birmingham. Bustleholme and Cadbury Athletic were the closest options, both under an hour away.&nbsp; When I put some options out on Twitter to garner opinion, it was spotted by Gornal Athletic's physio Wayne Shakespeare who recommended going to their game. After looking online and seeing that their ground looked very good, I was sold and planned the game in, with it being an hour and ten minutes away on the bus. Gornal had been relegated from step 6 football at the end of last season but&nbsp;were&nbsp;still in a pretty strong league. Their game was against another club who had played at a higher&nbsp;level but had also fallen on hard times lately. Whilst Gornal were looking comfortable in&nbsp;7th&nbsp;place, Willenhall&nbsp;were&nbsp;rock bottom, having played Southern League football as recently as ten years ago.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOoC-rJXB4o/WgimkbRU8pI/AAAAAAABfXM/u2UaFNtCDkIVEBvrtdwfiLOJX7A9K4RZQCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1020" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOoC-rJXB4o/WgimkbRU8pI/AAAAAAABfXM/u2UaFNtCDkIVEBvrtdwfiLOJX7A9K4RZQCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B3.jpg" width="408" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">On Thursday night, I started doing my research for the game. There was an incredible array of pubs worth visiting - in Birmingham, in Dudley and even in the village of Lower Gornal itself. As a huge fan of trying new ciders, I'd be in my element, but I'd have to be careful as I have a penchant for falling asleep after a few drinks - which would prove&nbsp;disastrous&nbsp;if I missed the match or my train. I also looked further at&nbsp;Willenhall's&nbsp;decline, which was astonishing. They'd already lost 13-0, 11-0, 9-0, 9-2 and 7-1 prior to their latest 10-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Casuals on Tuesday. In fact, their only win of the season had come on the 14th October as they won 3-2 away to Telford Juniors. Gornal Athletic&nbsp;were&nbsp;fresh off of a 4-0 victory against Bromyard Town. I noticed that the league had already had three clubs resign so far this season, Barterstree, Penncroft and Shenstone Pathfinders had all opted not to continue at various points through the season - I don't think I've seen a league with so many flaky clubs.&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The night before, I watched the England v Germany game on TV. Usually, I’d be disappointed with a goalless draw, but on this occasion, a very inexperienced team did well, and it was nice to be positive about our national team for once. I had a few drinks with the game, more than intended, but still ended up going to bed around 11. On the day of the game, I woke around 6 am, usually, that would be annoying, but I’d set my alarm for 6.50 anyway. It was a pleasant autumnal morning, albeit a bit drizzly but after getting watching some YouTube videos, I got out of bed when my alarm sounded. I got dressed, had a cranberry juice and left home at 7.10. Ten minutes later, I was on the bus, thanks to a plus bus ticket that cost me 10p less than a single would have. I had an hour to kill before my train, so went in search of breakfast. Hardly anywhere was open, so I had to settle for a McDonalds Sausage and Egg&nbsp;Bagel. It was ok, but I’d have preferred a Subway. Poundland also didn’t open until&nbsp;9 so I couldn’t get any drinks for my journey. I got to the train station at 8 and with half an hour until my train, I bought a Daily Star to read. I got the 8.36 train which arrived in Birmingham at 10.15 after a delay at Solihull due to a 'distressed passenger'.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCbaEWn0NZk/Wgipg3c8MGI/AAAAAAABfYI/pRwQ6cZCeDskuknnK6CnpBx00Vx00M9WwCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-11-11%2B12.07.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCbaEWn0NZk/Wgipg3c8MGI/AAAAAAABfYI/pRwQ6cZCeDskuknnK6CnpBx00Vx00M9WwCLcBGAs/s640/2017-11-11%2B12.07.00.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> <div>First stop was Poundland for drinks and a USB cable to charge my phone as the one I'd bought with me wasn't working properly. With my phone battery down to 50%, it was a godsend. I had a quick look around some other shops before getting the 11.00 bus to Dudley. Usefully, it had a socket to charge my phone, so I didn't need to use my power bank. I got to Dudley at 11.50 and after a brief look around the shops, I headed for my first pub. The Court House was a cracking place with a good range of ale and cider. I opted for a Napton Red Devil, made in Southam which was excellent. The pub&nbsp;was&nbsp;also playing some good music, with no modern rubbish. My second stop was Fellows, owned by Holden's Brewery and doing their own cider called Marcher Lords. Another good musical selection was present, I was feeling a bit envious of people who had these pubs on their doorstep, rather than the limited selection in Wycombe. After that, I went to Pound Bakery, having a festive turkey slice where the filling was as hot as lava, meaning I burned my lip badly, but it was tasty all the same. I got a bus at 1.50, with the journey to Gornal taking around 25 minutes. By 2.15 I was in Gornal, stopping at a pub called The Old Bulls Head for a pint of Black Rat. It was one I've had before, but was very nice, Gornal seeming a big place for a village.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Af1Q3RLuanM/WgimUdfj3-I/AAAAAAABfWY/qVS9zl_CPGQXLUVxxVHUH48Qjpv8u03lwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Af1Q3RLuanM/WgimUdfj3-I/AAAAAAABfWY/qVS9zl_CPGQXLUVxxVHUH48Qjpv8u03lwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gornal had a marvellous ground for the level. I paid £4 to get in, plus £1 for a programme and had a&nbsp;walk around&nbsp;the ground. There&nbsp;were&nbsp;huge amounts of terracing and plenty more of interest. Gornal started on the front foot and hit the bar in the opening minute and then again 8 minutes in as they looked for the win. Despite chances for both&nbsp;sides, it was goalless at the break. The second half saw the contest die down a bit, both sides&nbsp;had&nbsp;half chances to nick it. The hosts got a late winner, around five minutes from time, a scrappy effort which I caught on video. It was harsh on Willenhall, who had battled hard after a shaky start, but that's the way your luck goes when you are down the bottom. I walked back to the bus stop and was lucky enough to get there at the same time as the bus. I decided to go straight back to Birmingham, rather than stay in Dudley.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VMVb7zrloJQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VMVb7zrloJQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>I got back to Brum about 6.25 and headed for the Post Office Vaults. Unusually, I found it easily and was glad when I found the usual 15 ciders on tap. First up was a Betws Cider, which was very tasty as all Welsh ones tend to be. The place was rammed and with no phone signal, I was grateful for their WiFi. Another half, of the Village Green&nbsp;dry&nbsp;was sampled before I was out of time. I walked to Moor Street, a more complicated operation than it should have been to get my train. I didn’t get to eat though, the risk of missing my train too great for a quick nip to a takeaway.&nbsp; I arrived a few minutes before my train departed at 7.55 with me getting back to Wycombe at 9.30. I went to the Chinese in Wycombe, Peking House located right outside the station and offering spring rolls and salt and chilli chips for £4. Suitably fed, I walked to the bus station and caught the next bus to Hazlemere, a mile from home. I got through the door around 10.30, watching TV for 20 minutes before going to bed at 11.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyC0OgsAknk/WgipgViYWFI/AAAAAAABfYE/Tqj1IBt9YSwfJL_yQcEm6fmAEATdb6EngCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-11-11%2B18.27.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyC0OgsAknk/WgipgViYWFI/AAAAAAABfYE/Tqj1IBt9YSwfJL_yQcEm6fmAEATdb6EngCLcBGAs/s640/2017-11-11%2B18.27.16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">THE GROUND</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The GARDEN WALK STADIUM must be one of the biggest at their level, with a capacity of 3000. The bulk of this is on the side that you enter and is a huge bank of terracing with around a 2000 capacity. This also has a number of seats and a small area of cover. This is open, much like most of the ground, with&nbsp;the only&nbsp;cover being on the far side - a small stand containing around 50 seats and terracing for 150. There is a small bar and tea&nbsp;bar at&nbsp;the ground, although a&nbsp;surprisingly&nbsp;large choice of pubs and&nbsp;takeaways&nbsp;can be found in the nearby village.<br /><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></div><div>Excellent ground for the level, and well kept. (9)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></div><div>Plenty of parking and food and drink choices (8)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></div><div>Decent enough (7)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4: Value for money</b></div><div>Decent value for the level (7)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></div><div>Had all the relevant info, sporadic updates on Twitter (5)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>6: Programme</b></div><div>A good effort, especially for £1 (7)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7: Game entertainment</b></div><div>Started brightly, but faded (5)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>8: Tea Bar</b></div><div>Good value and choice (7)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></div><div>Small, but welcoming (6)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>10: Club Shop</b></div><div>N/A (-)</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 90: 62</b></span></div><div><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE: 6.77</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>GROUND PHOTOS</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdSEsq5CC5o/WgimUqEvudI/AAAAAAABfWc/TX6vAugJ26gTDgER37R9JyESFPeSAlAlQCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdSEsq5CC5o/WgimUqEvudI/AAAAAAABfWc/TX6vAugJ26gTDgER37R9JyESFPeSAlAlQCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpt9Vkn46Aw/WgimkalHvRI/AAAAAAABfXQ/WuiG9XkeS64Jp0n1k-pOkv7ggoTX0T6_wCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpt9Vkn46Aw/WgimkalHvRI/AAAAAAABfXQ/WuiG9XkeS64Jp0n1k-pOkv7ggoTX0T6_wCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9idiA9_-ris/Wgimlwo0O3I/AAAAAAABfXU/FhHObK3PRLMspklDg2bX3doRkFr-HoBFwCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9idiA9_-ris/Wgimlwo0O3I/AAAAAAABfXU/FhHObK3PRLMspklDg2bX3doRkFr-HoBFwCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR1nr92v2Jg/WgimpLB_YWI/AAAAAAABfXc/7S8OS4MMzQUzeeeGnd2gGR4UFlYn5Ab1gCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR1nr92v2Jg/WgimpLB_YWI/AAAAAAABfXc/7S8OS4MMzQUzeeeGnd2gGR4UFlYn5Ab1gCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haTEf5Yox-0/Wgimpq9P2BI/AAAAAAABfXg/OVPPooz13FwLeErDAFIqgsNjiBJfx_DsgCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haTEf5Yox-0/Wgimpq9P2BI/AAAAAAABfXg/OVPPooz13FwLeErDAFIqgsNjiBJfx_DsgCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qso6yWpaUXk/Wgimp2JqX5I/AAAAAAABfXk/TeKKgfE_DoIk1QlV7yqbVvNI64Ie4wTMQCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qso6yWpaUXk/Wgimp2JqX5I/AAAAAAABfXk/TeKKgfE_DoIk1QlV7yqbVvNI64Ie4wTMQCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8F3vpUEI4yE/Wgimq3yqatI/AAAAAAABfXo/LzsR7lJf1FUiF63iA-MfE9q5aQNkm9lmgCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" 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height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkKU5cr7J7g/WgimZXkxAxI/AAAAAAABfWs/6bqxnN9x92M1piLFQBvALH32v93lLY3aQCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEppesgSZX0/Wgimb7B5tTI/AAAAAAABfWw/9X4kJHvpcJczkeD2HkaJ0W9PBMdgm0ykACLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEppesgSZX0/Wgimb7B5tTI/AAAAAAABfWw/9X4kJHvpcJczkeD2HkaJ0W9PBMdgm0ykACLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCqoCf-vwNM/Wgimc8pJWuI/AAAAAAABfW0/SFfApvOn5o8CNuzyjngqr_HWedNKV4k7ACLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCqoCf-vwNM/Wgimc8pJWuI/AAAAAAABfW0/SFfApvOn5o8CNuzyjngqr_HWedNKV4k7ACLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypdBNcVPvQM/WgimdRUUdAI/AAAAAAABfW4/AP3zq_PMAqsu9XkbAbtUe4KqegpnDrtIgCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypdBNcVPvQM/WgimdRUUdAI/AAAAAAABfW4/AP3zq_PMAqsu9XkbAbtUe4KqegpnDrtIgCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_U6cFa3fMSI/Wgimfmy5qXI/AAAAAAABfXA/2BisFUqT2z4Rf0ZyTesU1Bgs-t2J4YDlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_U6cFa3fMSI/Wgimfmy5qXI/AAAAAAABfXA/2BisFUqT2z4Rf0ZyTesU1Bgs-t2J4YDlgCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhocTVJzBDw/WgimiCsZ_JI/AAAAAAABfXE/DGSiZQD2-CUL29nJ5Q127_xSHmaZ3wOrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B18.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhocTVJzBDw/WgimiCsZ_JI/AAAAAAABfXE/DGSiZQD2-CUL29nJ5Q127_xSHmaZ3wOrgCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B18.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k0leTcYUoM/WgimiZWAn5I/AAAAAAABfXI/TKQ1NmLPd1kQsepb8KUpQQQ3PChcAU-6gCLcBGAs/s1600/Gornal%2B19.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k0leTcYUoM/WgimiZWAn5I/AAAAAAABfXI/TKQ1NmLPd1kQsepb8KUpQQQ3PChcAU-6gCLcBGAs/s640/Gornal%2B19.jpg" width="640" /></a> RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-55876164151759243352017-11-04T13:46:00.003-07:002017-11-04T13:49:01.758-07:00Croydon - Croydon Arena<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQosSmoVfUI/Wf4kCsAyC2I/AAAAAAABfLg/gjsotl3ft5I0tpCjqt72-KzhPkBOmNdSQCLcBGAs/s1600/CHB%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQosSmoVfUI/Wf4kCsAyC2I/AAAAAAABfLg/gjsotl3ft5I0tpCjqt72-KzhPkBOmNdSQCLcBGAs/s640/CHB%2B1.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Croydon FC</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Croydon Sports Arena</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Albert Road</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">South Norwood</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">London</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">SE25 4QL</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">020 8654 8555</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.croydonfc.com/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Croydon_FC" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Number: 740<br />Saturday 4th November 2017<br />Croydon 6-2 Hollands &amp; Blair<br />SCEL Premier<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;">CROYDON FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1953 and was originally known as Croydon Amateurs, changing to their current name in 1973. They started out in the Surrey Senior League, finishing as runners-up three times in ten seasons. After a single season in the Spartan League, where they won the title, they joined the Athenian League in 1964. After finishing as champions in 1966, plus a couple more runners-up spots, they joined the Isthmian League in 1974. Starting out in the second tier, they were runners-up behind Tilbury, earning promotion to what was soon to be called the Premier Division. Croydon would remain here until 1989, with a record finish of 4th in 1986. This was when the league sat at step 2 of the non-league pyramid and remains Croydon's record high finish.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZidF8nzcJDs/WfuGQlasjvI/AAAAAAABfIg/ld4o_CAFh8IwWeBGEdxfHeuLxMjJf8f8wCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="702" height="567" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZidF8nzcJDs/WfuGQlasjvI/AAAAAAABfIg/ld4o_CAFh8IwWeBGEdxfHeuLxMjJf8f8wCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Fortunes soon declined however and by 1989, they were relegated to Division 1.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">This was the start of a lean spell for the club and they suffered a further relegation in 1994. They recovered, winning promotion back up in 1996 as runners-up&nbsp;to Canvey Island. After finishing as champions at the turn of the century, Croydon would enjoy two final seasons in the Isthmian Premier before relegation followed in 2002. Again, it prompted a difficult spell and they&nbsp;</span>were relegated<span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> again in 2005. This was a time of reorganisation of the pyramid and the club would have spells in the Combined Counties and Kent (later renamed Southern Counties East) leagues at step 5 of non-league football. Their best finish in recent times came in 2007 with a 3rd placed finish in the Kent League. Last season Croydon finished 11th in the Southern Counties Premier, their best finish since 2009. They are doing even better this season, sitting in 5th at the time of the game.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGVbXOTGlTM/WfuGQuJ4jxI/AAAAAAABfIk/FLjCJJHz5uIYogajnP1w1RrgmvUmKEI4wCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="560" height="624" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGVbXOTGlTM/WfuGQuJ4jxI/AAAAAAABfIk/FLjCJJHz5uIYogajnP1w1RrgmvUmKEI4wCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />In the FA Cup, Croydon enjoyed their best run during the 1979/80 season. After beating Bexhill Town, Ashford Town, Bognor Regis Town and Leatherhead, they faced fellow Isthmian League side Wycombe Wanderers&nbsp;in the 1st Round. They comfortably won 3-0 and went on to play Millwall in the 2nd Round. Demand for tickets was so great that the game was switched to Crystal Palace and Croydon gained a heroic 1-1 draw in front of their record attendance of 9,809. They'd finally bow out in the replay, losing an exciting and narrow game 3-2. Other runs in the national cup competitions have seen them reach the FA Amateur Cup 3rd Round, the FA Trophy 2nd Round (three times) and the FA Vase 4th Round (three times). Local cup wins include the Isthmian Full Members Cup in 2000, the London Senior Cup in 2002, the Surrey Senior Cup in 1982, the Kent League Cup and Kent Challenge&nbsp;Shield in 2009 and three Surrey Senior League Cups.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn5bWR48HAY/WfuGQxd84PI/AAAAAAABfIo/XcuENxjz-csmni0mxfUL9JYwHb8LvYawgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="291" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn5bWR48HAY/WfuGQxd84PI/AAAAAAABfIo/XcuENxjz-csmni0mxfUL9JYwHb8LvYawgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="456" /></a><br /><br />Croydon are nicknamed&nbsp; 'The Trams' owing to the proximity of their ground to the local tram stop. Record attendance at the Arena is 1600, achieved for a 1954 Surrey League Cup Final game against Dorking. Their best ever win was 11-0 as they defeated Banstead Athletic in a Surrey Senior Cup game. The most notable player to play for Croydon was Peter Bonetti, the future England goalkeeper playing 5 games for the club as a youngster whilst on loan from Chelsea. Croydon had received modern press attention for being the centre for UK Visas and immigration, although it has had plenty of famous Brits born there. These include football manager Roy Hodgson, footballer Jason Puncheon and authors D.H Lawrence and Malcolm Muggeridge. Musically, Kirsty McColl, Katie Melua, Amy Winehouse, Captain Sensible and Stormsy also have connections with the town.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tA_7MGDpQk/WfuGRCmNyQI/AAAAAAABfIs/WVxwv0pyUd8FzlEFiT9tTyV94YUDj-UdACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="727" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tA_7MGDpQk/WfuGRCmNyQI/AAAAAAABfIs/WVxwv0pyUd8FzlEFiT9tTyV94YUDj-UdACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><br />As part of my attempt to cut down on driving, I was always going to be doing a game on the train on this Saturday. Originally, the choice was going to be Crockenhill, though the 2 PM kick off put me off as a day out in London was as much a part of the day as the football. With it being right on the outskirts of the travelcard zone, I decided to save it for another day, especially as fellow hopper Anwar was also going to Croydon. That particular ground had a few downsides, not least the running track around the pitch. It was also one of the pricier at step 5, costing £7 plus £2 for the programme, but with an excellent town centre nearby and me able to easily visit one of my favourite haunts in central London beforehand, I decided to go for it. Their Twitter was also very active compared to Crockenhill's, meaning that I'd be kept informed of any changes and things like team news and goalscorers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">On the Thursday night, I spent around three hours researching Croydon's history, although, with the whole internet and especially Wikipedia at your fingertips, it's so easy to get distracted and read plenty of random and unrelated stuff. I'd been considering going to a game on Friday night too, but with me having an expensive time recently, as well as FA Cup football on the TV, I decided against a trip to Oakwood near Crawley, that after Anwar had rejected the offer of Tuffley Rovers v Oxford City in the Hellenic Premier. In the end, Milton Keynes triumphed 4-0 against Hyde, much to the chagrin of football fans everywhere. I had a few drinks but didn't go mad and I was in bed by 10.30. As I result, I woke early at 6ish, but still had a good sleep. After catching up on my YouTube subs, I played Football Manager for the first time since July to pass some time. Typically, after being dry all week, while people were stuck in work, the poxy weather decided to rain, so I'd be needing my wet weather gear.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqIYmnL8e_g/Wf4kJlFTxmI/AAAAAAABfMA/_8_hmwEZs7oe7buEifbpPyMG7dwLPcAxQCLcBGAs/s1600/CHB%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqIYmnL8e_g/Wf4kJlFTxmI/AAAAAAABfMA/_8_hmwEZs7oe7buEifbpPyMG7dwLPcAxQCLcBGAs/s640/CHB%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I'd decided to go from Chalfont rather than Amersham as it had a slightly better range of connections. I left at 9.40 and 20 minutes later was parked up in Chalfont. After getting a paper, I went to the station, waiting around 15 minutes for a train. After a change at Finchley Road, I got to Borough Market at 11.30. I'd come here to visit the New Forest cider stall, which was as superb as ever. I started off with a pint of Willie Gunn which was terrific for such a low percentage cider. Then it was a small bottle of Local Fox before I tried a pint of their own sweet cider to complete the set. It was 12.56 by the time I got the train to East Croydon, later than I’d hoped, but I was in good spirits. I got to Croydon around half an hour later and fairly peckish. McDonald's did the trick, a jerk chicken burger with fries for about £5.50. After a look round a couple of shops, I caught the tram to the ground, the journey giving me time to catch up with things online. I got to the ground at 2.30 and was pleased to get entry for £3.50 thanks to an offer for EFL Season ticket holders. I met Anwar in the stand and we had a good chat while we waited for kick off.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Td9xSb9J8/Wf4kF9wlE5I/AAAAAAABfLo/yYWBtO1BqqMT2QLi8zGLBF8om6k2MeL_wCLcBGAs/s1600/CHB%2B11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Td9xSb9J8/Wf4kF9wlE5I/AAAAAAABfLo/yYWBtO1BqqMT2QLi8zGLBF8om6k2MeL_wCLcBGAs/s640/CHB%2B11.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The view from the stand was not bad, with the elevation compensating for the distance from the pitch. Croydon started the strongest and took the lead after 20 minutes when a ball was played across the six-yard box and rifled into the roof of the net by Andy Mott. Up to this point, Hollands &amp; Blair had offered little, but they equalised on 27 minutes when a ball was played across the box and a low shot was put away from 12 yards. At halftime I visited the club shop, it was a good on for hoppers and I bought a couple of Groundtastic back issues and a Croydon FC pen for £2 each. The hosts had had much the better of the first half and they took the lead a minute into the second period. It was a simple finish from inside the area that regained the lead and from there they never looked back. It was 3-1 on 55 minutes, this time Jamie McGeohegan hit a curling low free-kick into the bottom right-hand corner. A few minutes later, he repeated the trick to make the game safe at 4-1. Hollands &amp; Blair staged a brief resurgence and scored the best goal of the afternoon on 70 minutes with a shot that flew in the top left-hand corner. The hosts restored their three-goal lead on 72 minutes, a shot hit the bar and a Croydon man followed up with a header from a few yards out. Hollands and Blair then had a header disallowed for offside before Croydon wrapped up the game, making it 6-2 a minute from time when Stefan Joseph headed in from a corner.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhGgk1OTzCI/Wf4kI3WgiCI/AAAAAAABfL4/Vygfnb1XeQ02r6Bwm2laSWeDxuxPVxoDwCLcBGAs/s1600/CHB%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhGgk1OTzCI/Wf4kI3WgiCI/AAAAAAABfL4/Vygfnb1XeQ02r6Bwm2laSWeDxuxPVxoDwCLcBGAs/s640/CHB%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We got away in good time after the game, with a tram arriving within seconds of us reaching the platform. From East Croydon, we went to a very busy Victoria and after a couple of changes, we were at Marylebone, ready to get our train home. Again we had barely any wait, and happily, I was able to get the same train home as Anwar. He stayed on until Aylesbury, with me getting off at Chalfont and Latimer. I was back by 6.30, getting to my car 5 minutes later. I got back home at 7, typing my blog while I listened to the football phone-ins on Radio 5 and TalkSPORT. After that, I caught up with YouTube and chatted online until Match Of The Day came on.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryhTFahTfwQ/Wf4kLwG8eHI/AAAAAAABfMI/wtVcB2iCiFMWoo02sUWLzVPERCW3e9XhQCLcBGAs/s1600/CHB%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryhTFahTfwQ/Wf4kLwG8eHI/AAAAAAABfMI/wtVcB2iCiFMWoo02sUWLzVPERCW3e9XhQCLcBGAs/s640/CHB%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">THE GROUND</span></span></b><br /><br />The Croydon Sports Arena is a ground that I visited before to take pictures, a lot of these come from my London football ground tour on Tuesday 23rd January 2006, prior to Wycombe's League Cup semi-final&nbsp;game at Chelsea. The most notable part is the running track, which spoils the view somewhat, but aside from that, it's a fairly decent stadium for athletics fans. There's a sizable main stand, 450 in capacity and this is elevated slightly to improve the view which is not helped by a large space and floodlight pylons in front of it. Over the other side is standing cover for around the same amount, whilst extensive terracing gives the ground a capacity of 8,000.<br /><br />There's not much in the immediate vicinity of the ground, though the town centre is a short tram ride away. This has a number of takeaways in it, as well as three Wetherspoons, so you will never go thirsty or hungry. There are also a number of cheap 'Poundland style' shops and retro computer games shops, which suit me down to the ground. Back at the ground, there is a basic tea bar, as well as a cosy clubhouse although I didn't purchase anything from either. There's also a good club shop, a rarity at this level.<br /><span style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b><br />Loses a point for having an athletics track, but it's actually not that bad (7)<br /><b><br /></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b>Right by a tram stop, lots of parking, not a huge amount in the immediate vicinity (6)<br /><b><br /></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A nice club (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b><br />Standard SCEL price, half price for selected clubs season ticket holders (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b><br />Interactive and informative (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b><br />Didn't purchase (-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A bit one-sided in the end, but enjoyable (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Basic, but well priced (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b><br />Smart, didn't check what they had on offer (6)<br /><b><br /></b></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b><br />Not a huge amount of stock, but what there is, is good (7)<br /><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br />TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 90: 60<br />AVERAGE SCORE 6.66 (12th out of 34 reviewed so far)</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0CSkUkWin4/WfuGOoaBtqI/AAAAAAABfIA/hlMnCw2dLYASD8-bwVkrdnMORyR5Q2rbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Croydon%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0CSkUkWin4/WfuGOoaBtqI/AAAAAAABfIA/hlMnCw2dLYASD8-bwVkrdnMORyR5Q2rbQCLcBGAs/s640/Croydon%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-du0X_yWNOBM/Wf4kM0m1AfI/AAAAAAABfMM/2h5kG5U_NDcN36aZY3DtVJt96G9524k-gCLcBGAs/s1600/CHB%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" 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src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6cTj9tB5AY/Wf4kFdvHEMI/AAAAAAABfLk/P5BppTOgssU_lBPYTC59HA6XezjpnDLFwCLcBGAs/s640/CHB%2B10.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZXwKiSzWPQ/Wf4kGRfWU8I/AAAAAAABfLw/uWrTwquTIqA2GH1EzPLeI5M1-zxcZ-SbACLcBGAs/s1600/CHB%2B12.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZXwKiSzWPQ/Wf4kGRfWU8I/AAAAAAABfLw/uWrTwquTIqA2GH1EzPLeI5M1-zxcZ-SbACLcBGAs/s640/CHB%2B12.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GLMzWaBGkc/Wf4kJdyWrTI/AAAAAAABfL8/0yQdf0bH51YH0zEtTXmD-Ss081p1YxoxgCLcBGAs/s1600/CHB%2B15.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GLMzWaBGkc/Wf4kJdyWrTI/AAAAAAABfL8/0yQdf0bH51YH0zEtTXmD-Ss081p1YxoxgCLcBGAs/s640/CHB%2B15.JPG" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-25510075196600693642017-11-01T09:23:00.002-07:002017-11-01T09:23:54.889-07:00Studley - The Beehive<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_0vMwPJ0TY/WfnyML56StI/AAAAAAABfGk/Y44qkBOcR9AkOqxdXCuPFXxUTboi9H2bQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="858" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_0vMwPJ0TY/WfnyML56StI/AAAAAAABfGk/Y44qkBOcR9AkOqxdXCuPFXxUTboi9H2bQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="445" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Studley FC</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">The Beehive</div><div style="text-align: center;">Abbeyfields Drive</div><div style="text-align: center;">Studley</div><div style="text-align: center;">Warwickshire</div><div style="text-align: center;">B80 7BF</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">01527 853817</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/studleyfc/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/StudleyFc" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground&nbsp;Number: 739<br />Tuesday 31st October 2017<br />Studley 1-0 Cadbury Athletic<br />Midland League D1</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;"><br />STUDLEY FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed&nbsp;in 1971 and was initially known as BKL Studley, the works team of a local electrical fittings company. They were known under this moniker up until 2002 when they changed their name to Studley when the firm went bust.&nbsp; They started out in Sunday football, playing in the Redditch League, before switching to local Saturday football. In 1987, the club joined the Midland Combination, starting out in Division 2. They would go on to earn promotion in 1989, after a third-place finish. Champions of Divison 1 in 1992, Studley were promoted to the Midland Combination Premier Division. They remain at that level to this day, albeit with a few geographical switches and league mergers taking place. Finishes have ranged from a couple of 4th placed finishes in the mid-1990s to a low of 20th in 2007. This season, Studley are enjoying the best season in their history, sitting clear at the top of the league. On paper, tonight's game looks like a routine victory, with Cadbury Athletic struggling in 19th place.<br /><br />Studley played in the FA Cup every season from 2002/03 until 2013/14. Their best progress is the 1st Qualifying Round which they reached in 2003 (a 1-0 home defeat to Bromsgrove Rovers) and 2008 (a 2-1 defeat at Coalville Town) They've also played in the FA Vase from every season from 1998/99 to the present day. The best run came in the 2003/04 season - after beating Wednesfield, Bromyard Town, Mickleover Sports, Blaby &amp; Whetstone Athletic and Leamington, they found themselves&nbsp;with a&nbsp; 5th Round home tie against the then Wessex League side Gosport Borough. They could only manage a 1-1 draw, before losing the replay 2-1 in Hampshire. Local cup honours include the Midland League Challenge Vase in 1988, the Tony Allden&nbsp;Memorial Cup in 2002 and the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup and Worcestershire Senior Urn on 4 occasions apiece.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCXnDGgIxy4/WfeTSG0_GmI/AAAAAAABfFU/yTo1O1u3s_sCT9iM2MbrtooQXMDXXry1gCLcBGAs/s1600/MidD1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="704" height="621" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCXnDGgIxy4/WfeTSG0_GmI/AAAAAAABfFU/yTo1O1u3s_sCT9iM2MbrtooQXMDXXry1gCLcBGAs/s640/MidD1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'd discussed the possibility of a game on this Tuesday with fellow groundhopper Anwar. He didn't seem that keen, what with having an Arsenal game on Thursday, so I started making plans for a solo trip. Sadly, there wasn't much choice, with the nearest new ground being at Andover New Street. Thankfully, on Monday, Anwar said that he would do a game after I presented him with three possibilities. Boston United v Salford City was my first choice - despite being a revisit, it was a great ground and the best game. There were two nearer ones though - Peterborough Northern Star v Sleaford Town and Studley v Cadbury Athletic. We decided on the latter in the end and it was a ground I'd visited previously, though only for photos. It looked as if I had lost some of them over the years, as there were only a few poor ones from my visit, on the way to Wycombe's 2-1 defeat at Accrington Stanley on the Saturday 19th February 2011. Quite why I stopped there, or what has happened to the photos, I don't know, but I was glad to have some company for my midweek groundhopping.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'd had a lot of sleep the previous day and gone to bed early the previous night so I was feeling pretty refreshed, even though I woke up at 6 am on Tuesday. I watched some TV and caught up online, as well as planning future football games and reading the Non-League Paper. After having a bath and getting dressed, I walked down town. I got a couple of deep dish pizzas plus some Irn Bru before getting a lift home with my Dad. After lunch, I went and picked up my car, which had just had its MOT done. It was not good news financially, with all the bits that needed doing costing over a grand. THough it compared favourably with my Dad's Mercedes, which cost more for much less mileage, my Renault is comfortably the most expensive car to run that I have owned. The parts, along with the extremely brittle bodywork have made it a pricey car to own, with the manufacturer making deliberately sure that they make as much money out of their car users, even long after they've bought and paid for the car. Listening to the Two Mikes on TalkRADIO cheered me up a bit, and although it will be a pricey credit card bill at the end of the month, I've got the money put by. It's certainly strengthened my resolve to do more games by public transport. It's something I've achieved easily on a Saturday, with Salisbury being the furthest I've driven, but it's virtually impossible to do games by train in midweek, due to trains stopping too early.<br /></span><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mX-B8ZWJDAk/WfnyMnl7ZII/AAAAAAABfGs/XTLGa2qvvHkp1fmMzhCjabm-ZZVDkTWWwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mX-B8ZWJDAk/WfnyMnl7ZII/AAAAAAABfGs/XTLGa2qvvHkp1fmMzhCjabm-ZZVDkTWWwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I stayed at home until 4.30, placing a bet on tonight's football before getting my things together and leaving. I met Anwar at 5 as arranged, and as per usual, it was a crawl out of Aylesbury. It's a poor road at the best of times, but the rush hour just made it worse. In the end, we ended up taking a back route to avoid the traffic and had a good journey up. We got to Studley at 6.30, going to a local takeaway that I’d found by chance on Google Maps. Called ‘Saf’s’ it had a wide range at great prices and I got a Tandoori Chicken burger with fries and drink for £2.99. It was very nice and portions were generous given the price. From there I drove to the ground, just under a mile away. We got to the ground at 7, parking up and going in after getting some pictures of the outside. Entry was a well priced £5 and I got a good programme for £1 too. With a while to go until kick-off, we went and sat in the clubhouse where I typed my blog and caught up online. Anwar and I discussed our next game, possibly Tuffley Rovers on Friday or meeting in London on Saturday.<br /></span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iv3BQ79-wqQ/WfnyNkEkW7I/AAAAAAABfGw/KJwv7wSVDMAslgOG9vPy5x8ge9GbMGxYQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iv3BQ79-wqQ/WfnyNkEkW7I/AAAAAAABfGw/KJwv7wSVDMAslgOG9vPy5x8ge9GbMGxYQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We went outside around ten minutes before kick off, getting some pictures of the ground, now that the lights were on. Standing on the near side, we saw Cadbury Athletic start well, shading the opening 20 minutes and belying their lowly league position. The game continued to flow well thanks to a sensible ref. A few minutes before halftime, Studley were awarded a penalty following a foul in the area. Cadbury's big keeper was equal to it though, comfortably tipping it around the post to keep the score goalless at the break. The hosts did have a bright spell at the start of the second half, no doubt the result of a rollicking, but they soon faded and the game descended into a scrappy affair. Both sides had good forays forward, but generally, the final ball was lacking and it was destined to be scoreless for the second time in a row as far as Anwar and I's groundhops were concerned. But as so often happens in football, the luck goes with the team at the top. The last kick of the game saw a Studley's Andy Nicol fire a shot into the bottom right-hand corner to win the game, the effort coming from the edge of the area, a really good effort on the turn.<br /></span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxk60jzrzrE/WfnyME6S87I/AAAAAAABfGo/TAmbFZpEyu8ywxZvOKeYJ-yTt3gvUjaFgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="949" height="401" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxk60jzrzrE/WfnyME6S87I/AAAAAAABfGo/TAmbFZpEyu8ywxZvOKeYJ-yTt3gvUjaFgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was 9.40 by the time we left. We'd already heard that Wycombe had lost 1-0 at Swindon to exit the Checkatade Trophy. With both of us boycotting the competition, following the inclusion of Premier League academy sides, neither of us cared and were glad to ease up on the fixture congestion. We still listened to the local radio station to see what manager Gareth Ainsworth had to say. At 10 we switched to Radio 5 to listen to half an hour of a football phone in, before listening to some music. I dropped Anwar off at 11, getting home myself 25 minutes later. After winding down and catching up online for half an hour, I went to bed just before midnight. Even though I was up at 4 am, I didn't need my usual nap the afternoon, choosing instead to have an early night in the evening.<br /></span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynm8Yys0E_8/WfnyPkBDaSI/AAAAAAABfG0/3AKn6szBwnwdo3HoxPgnDdOE0K-5N5iXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynm8Yys0E_8/WfnyPkBDaSI/AAAAAAABfG0/3AKn6szBwnwdo3HoxPgnDdOE0K-5N5iXQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THE BEEHIVE is a pretty standard step 6 ground, with just the one stand. This, unusually has all rows at the same level, so if you are short and sitting at the back, you might not get a great view. The rest of the ground is open and overall very well kept, with a grass bank behind the left-hand goal so that you can get an elevated view. The tea bar and clubhouse are pretty standard, whilst the town is just under a mile away and offers a great range of pubs and takeaways.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fairly average for step 6 (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lots of parking, under a mile from town (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A nice welcome at the turnstile (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">£5 is a sensible price for step 6 (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Reasonably regular updates (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A very good issue for £1, glossy and a bit to read (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First half good, second half lost its pace (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Only burgers and hot dogs on my visit, usually more (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Smart, limited range of drinks (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">N/A</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 90: 58</b></span><br /><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE 6.44</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: cyan;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QbZtM6MSiE/WfnyPinFxSI/AAAAAAABfG4/kgp8x8WxCtUWeBU4IaZM-4e9LBezeJGfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QbZtM6MSiE/WfnyPinFxSI/AAAAAAABfG4/kgp8x8WxCtUWeBU4IaZM-4e9LBezeJGfQCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KycX0aK0Gao/WfnyVJEwwDI/AAAAAAABfHM/yAI6DJn6bJQLl-1ea6jWzEOUkzEL7IBaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="955" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KycX0aK0Gao/WfnyVJEwwDI/AAAAAAABfHM/yAI6DJn6bJQLl-1ea6jWzEOUkzEL7IBaQCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B2.jpg" width="382" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDl3qxOYVCc/WfnyVU0CTWI/AAAAAAABfHQ/_hjE6x53A0wJKCEel_2uoFmau76lNSlbACLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="1600" height="106" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDl3qxOYVCc/WfnyVU0CTWI/AAAAAAABfHQ/_hjE6x53A0wJKCEel_2uoFmau76lNSlbACLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNGIOJlugZA/WfnyWKVohkI/AAAAAAABfHU/_kXNstPkm34uxuu5rcMmnRTdwrln_6vowCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNGIOJlugZA/WfnyWKVohkI/AAAAAAABfHU/_kXNstPkm34uxuu5rcMmnRTdwrln_6vowCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2mDzizMG78/WfnyXL_NCGI/AAAAAAABfHc/EdY4NetVJxA4gPPUDaTBeKgdg4XxDYgngCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1178" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2mDzizMG78/WfnyXL_NCGI/AAAAAAABfHc/EdY4NetVJxA4gPPUDaTBeKgdg4XxDYgngCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B5.jpg" width="471" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRWuaoLARYs/WfnyWz_DDXI/AAAAAAABfHY/0cb0s5ZWS6MY9v5nM7gXbHsM9vncYcqswCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRWuaoLARYs/WfnyWz_DDXI/AAAAAAABfHY/0cb0s5ZWS6MY9v5nM7gXbHsM9vncYcqswCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B6.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqjZ7RJF55I/WfnyXiBBoFI/AAAAAAABfHg/ULQyF7XYgnE0pl4MfLEIOxo2GSfAIhjwwCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqjZ7RJF55I/WfnyXiBBoFI/AAAAAAABfHg/ULQyF7XYgnE0pl4MfLEIOxo2GSfAIhjwwCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IzypyupuVA/WfnyZ033tGI/AAAAAAABfHk/v1L5AHVgmT4pzFi8Im9M3zfFdlNAAO2igCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IzypyupuVA/WfnyZ033tGI/AAAAAAABfHk/v1L5AHVgmT4pzFi8Im9M3zfFdlNAAO2igCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTprCQaWj18/WfnyadR1icI/AAAAAAABfHo/P0H7CvCp4SIok-IUJOZFVS3N22zBwubzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTprCQaWj18/WfnyadR1icI/AAAAAAABfHo/P0H7CvCp4SIok-IUJOZFVS3N22zBwubzwCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLGu_xl5Enk/WfnyQhXyYPI/AAAAAAABfG8/4aN9fUvUt2kWh5N04JO4w4O4oQ-QigDBwCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLGu_xl5Enk/WfnyQhXyYPI/AAAAAAABfG8/4aN9fUvUt2kWh5N04JO4w4O4oQ-QigDBwCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wItRX-6aRLo/WfnyTyHP2FI/AAAAAAABfHE/ax9bSuMYKM0xUtI-HYlzfLUPu4bXbii0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wItRX-6aRLo/WfnyTyHP2FI/AAAAAAABfHE/ax9bSuMYKM0xUtI-HYlzfLUPu4bXbii0gCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Azan1UOvGfU/WfnyT3J8XEI/AAAAAAABfHI/8928tta9Y1oY2T5aYbvoUrdbR1ZY-XofQCLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Azan1UOvGfU/WfnyT3J8XEI/AAAAAAABfHI/8928tta9Y1oY2T5aYbvoUrdbR1ZY-XofQCLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7U673tSLNE/WfnyT3GI8qI/AAAAAAABfHA/X4KnSaEix2wEQ0Lc35Q_yThAJzP25yx9ACLcBGAs/s1600/Studley%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7U673tSLNE/WfnyT3GI8qI/AAAAAAABfHA/X4KnSaEix2wEQ0Lc35Q_yThAJzP25yx9ACLcBGAs/s640/Studley%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></span>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-77216260546497172432017-10-26T06:43:00.002-07:002017-10-26T06:43:30.283-07:00Walton & Hersham - Elmbridge Sports Hub<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7BKQ4FF27E/WfHlQce_vNI/AAAAAAABfCQ/D17pZvbP5_kYx49Q1uX5djbs4s6BAr1OACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="861" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7BKQ4FF27E/WfHlQce_vNI/AAAAAAABfCQ/D17pZvbP5_kYx49Q1uX5djbs4s6BAr1OACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="444" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Walton &amp; Hersham FC</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">Elmbridge Sports Hub</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waterside Drive</div><div style="text-align: center;">Walton-On-Thames</div><div style="text-align: center;">Surrey</div><div style="text-align: center;">KT12 2JP</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.waltonandhershamfc.org.uk/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/waltonhershamfc" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/waltonhershamfc" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 738<br />Tuesday 24th October 2017<br />Walton &amp; Hersham 1-0 Bedfont Sports<br />Combined Counties Premier Division<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: red; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>WALTON &amp; HERSHAM - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The club was formed in 1945 after the end of the Second World War after an amalgamation with the existing club Hersham FC who were formed some 50 years earlier.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">They immediately joined the Corinthian League </span>and after<span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> finishing 7th in their </span>inaugural<span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> season, they were champions three times on the trot, still a league record. After that, a </span>twenty-year<span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> spell in the Athenian League followed, with the club finishing as champions in 1969. This event also holds a place in musical history as Jimmy Pursey, founder member of the punk band 'Sham 69' took the bands named after he saw the </span>second<span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> part of t</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">he graffiti 'Wa</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">lton &amp; Hersham 69' sprayed on a set of double garage doors.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">In 1971, Walton &amp; Hersham joined the Isthmian League. Despite finishing 3rd and 2nd in their first two seasons, they were relegated in 1975 after finishing second-bottom. They remained in the second tier for nearly 20 years until another strong spell saw them spend 5 out of 6 seasons in the Premier Division in the late 1990's, with a good finish of 9th in 1998. After being relegated again in 2000 hey matched that 9th place in a two-year spell in the Premier between 2005 and 2007, but were once more relegated. Despite finishing 6th in 2011, they suffered another relegation, this time to the Combined Counties League in 2016. Last season saw a credible 5th placed finish and the club was doing even better at the time of tonight's game, sitting in third, five points behind leaders Westfield.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Walton &amp; Hersham have had a number of decent FA Cup runs, reaching the second round in 1973 and 1974. The latter of these is the most well known. After drawing 0-0 in the 1st Round home tie against Brighton &amp; Hove Albion, at the time managed by Brian Clough, they travelled down to the south coast with most expecting the third division hosts to stroll to victory. The reality couldn't have been more different with the non- leaguers recording an emphatic 4-0 in one of Clough's worst days in football. They lost 3-0 in the next round, to fellow cup giant-killers Hereford United. The club were winners of the FA Amateur Cup in 1973, defeating Slough Town 1-0 at Wembley. In its replacements, they had a notable run to the FA Trophy 4th Round in 2000 (losing to Kettering Town)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Local cup wins include the Surrey Senior Cup on five occasions. Famous former players include Nathan Ellington, Richard Pacquette, Andre Scarlett, Bas Savage and Laurence Batty. The club is based in Walton-On-Thames, the birthplace of Dame Julie Andrews and home to Fay Ripley as a youngster.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kBRlWNZCTM/WfHlQCDKtVI/AAAAAAABfCM/zlIhCsvEzMMSilPvlv0q_QmuH-EMQmBHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="700" height="623" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kBRlWNZCTM/WfHlQCDKtVI/AAAAAAABfCM/zlIhCsvEzMMSilPvlv0q_QmuH-EMQmBHwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I didn't think I'd be going to football on this originally as my car was out of action due to a damaged wheel. However, with its replacement due for arrival on the afternoon, a local clash could be possible. I'd had a good nights sleep the night before with me waking up at 9 am on my day off work. After getting bathed and dressed, I double checked the delivery time and as it was confirmed as between 12.50 and 2.50 pm, I walked down town. After getting various items, I got a lift back with my Dad and waited in for my delivery. I used the time to check tyre prices online and was annoyed to see that to get a decent price, you had to book a couple of days in advance. In the end, the offer of half price tracking from a garage I'd used before, total £82 including the new tyre, which was not a lot more than the cheapest I could possibly find - and without the wait. That was after I'd fitted the two new wheels, although the second needed help from Green Flag as it was stuck on. Most importantly it was all sorted, bar getting a couple of minor jobs done to get it through the MOT next Tuesday. I was a bit pushed for time after all that, getting home around 6.<br /></span><br /> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After a quick dinner of chicken risotto and getting my things together, I left around 6.20. The journey over there was decent enough, especially considering it was the rush hour. I was in the vicinity of the ground by 7.20, but the signposting was non-existent. I spent 15 minutes trying various entrances, although, with so many sets of floodlights in the vicinity, it was confusing. In the end, I went back to the leisure centre that I had started at and walked across a metal fence that had blown down during the recent bad weather. I'd seen other cars driving around confused too, so hopefully the signposting will be improved in the future. My visit had got off on a bad foot and my mood was not improved after I had to pay an above average £8 entry. The quid or two more will make absolutely no difference to me financially, it's just the principle of football getting more expensive. I also picked up a programme for £1.50 which included all the essentials, plus some interesting facts, but not that much to read. With a few minutes until kick-off, there wasn't much time to catch up, but it was nice to bump into hoppers including Laurence, Robyn, Lee and Andy over the evening. In fact, there must have been around twenty hoppers in attendance, with it being a popular location due to the ground being recently opened.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkP5iduOzvI/WfHlS6otpOI/AAAAAAABfCU/PmlJWzqYkxQfAcU2rECj-yhoCJ7W5SC6gCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkP5iduOzvI/WfHlS6otpOI/AAAAAAABfCU/PmlJWzqYkxQfAcU2rECj-yhoCJ7W5SC6gCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">There was a minutes silence before the game, though I didn't catch who it was for. The game kicked off at a decent pace and it was the hosts that were on top with Bedfont Sports keeper Rourke Pickford pulling off a couple of great saves to keep the game goalless. The visitors had a good spell towards the end of the half with Tim Pitt hitting the post. Despite lots of chances, it was goalless at the break. It was a scrappy start to the second half and the game wasn't nearly as free-flowing as the first period. The game was reinvigorated on 62 minutes as Bedfont's Jamie Richards saw red after he clattered Bilal Benali with a late tackle. The home crowd were woken from their slumbers by this and gave out plenty of stick to Richards as he trudged down the tunnel. The hosts went close again when TJ Nkoma hit the post shortly after, but it seemed as if luck was against them. Walton &amp; Hersham finally opened the scoring six minutes later - Jamil Okai got away down the right, rounded visiting keeper Pickford and slotted into the empty net. The hosts deserved it for their dominance and they went on to waste several chances to extend their lead. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Bedfont Sports threw everything at Walton in the last ten minutes, but despite coming close on a number of occasions, they just couldn't find the equaliser.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUmpo2XNkRE/WfHlU-6edAI/AAAAAAABfCc/-so95a8cDaQzm_DwnvuPzwSoR3xH-91VACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUmpo2XNkRE/WfHlU-6edAI/AAAAAAABfCc/-so95a8cDaQzm_DwnvuPzwSoR3xH-91VACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I'd had a good chat with a Slough fan towards the end about their clashes with Wycombe in the early 90's and I'd been in good company throughout the night, speaking to several familiar faces. Despite the rocky start, it had been a good and enjoyable evening. Before I went, I got some pictures of the outside of the ground a small crest on the door being the only sign that Walton &amp; Hersham played there, For a club with such a rich and varied history and contribution to popular culture, it's a shame there wasn't more on display. It's certainly a decent ground, but the choice of blue seats when one of the tenants play in red and the other in orange is baffling. I left around 9.50 in the end, listening to the Man City v Wolves League Cup game on the way back. I got back at 10.35, just as the penalties were starting. I was glad that my car was back on the road, meaning that I wouldn't be cycling again. I'd still be up at 4.10 am and it was frustrating when it took me ages to drift off to sleep. In the end, I only got a few hours sleep and ended up catching up as usual with a nap the following afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BnHN1Y9xTpg/WfHlUKyFXRI/AAAAAAABfCY/FFhotkaQAbM6AgvqtwczwrzPWjxuq6dMgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BnHN1Y9xTpg/WfHlUKyFXRI/AAAAAAABfCY/FFhotkaQAbM6AgvqtwczwrzPWjxuq6dMgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: red; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The ELMBRIDGE SPORTS HUB is a pretty decent new build, with the sole cover being a 500 seater stand. Despite being a fair way back from the pitch, it offers great views thanks to it being elevated. The rest of the ground is open, though it offers decent sightlines that are fairly close to the pitch. The bar at the ground is bright and airy, but fairly bland although it does have sports TV. The tea bar offers a wide range, but prices are fairly expensive.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Decent ground, but lacks personality. (6)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Nothing much around the ground, lots of parking, terrible signposting (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Couldn't fault the welcome (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">£8 was above average (4)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Fairly decent (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A reasonable effort, but not a lot to read, £1.50 a fair price (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Was a decent game overall, save for a quiet spell at the start of the second period (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Good choice, but pricey (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Smart but dull (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">N/A (-)</span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 90: 52</b></span><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVERAGE SCORE: 5.77</b></span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">GROUND PHOTOS</span></b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhRY2AqiPqQ/WfHlWd-t8qI/AAAAAAABfCg/I3uLfzrzVhIrETxn-PNGxedx5RhqoNmbgCLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhRY2AqiPqQ/WfHlWd-t8qI/AAAAAAABfCg/I3uLfzrzVhIrETxn-PNGxedx5RhqoNmbgCLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuiufDsK4wc/WfHlcOfQtrI/AAAAAAABfC0/5Iq5E9VabtInxyI4Vs8HX7_f_dYUCIvOACLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuiufDsK4wc/WfHlcOfQtrI/AAAAAAABfC0/5Iq5E9VabtInxyI4Vs8HX7_f_dYUCIvOACLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B2.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6pLrFO0aOA/WfHldsqyptI/AAAAAAABfC4/Nff82D3L4MA570Z1AFoSzR15lwGzfefVQCLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6pLrFO0aOA/WfHldsqyptI/AAAAAAABfC4/Nff82D3L4MA570Z1AFoSzR15lwGzfefVQCLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHibphjdGlc/WfHlejGsUcI/AAAAAAABfC8/bPIWWvndxOYHLBKQEln3MVuF9slacvF0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHibphjdGlc/WfHlejGsUcI/AAAAAAABfC8/bPIWWvndxOYHLBKQEln3MVuF9slacvF0gCLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B4.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71FQ0ipVSxA/WfHlfbPzN-I/AAAAAAABfDA/yZEeJP7BuOcw3glx0vK94AFh5U7HEVdEACLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71FQ0ipVSxA/WfHlfbPzN-I/AAAAAAABfDA/yZEeJP7BuOcw3glx0vK94AFh5U7HEVdEACLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twbq30z8twI/WfHlhPxg6mI/AAAAAAABfDE/JXplcvpAaaARJNTR_WqA7aPq00PygH4gACLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twbq30z8twI/WfHlhPxg6mI/AAAAAAABfDE/JXplcvpAaaARJNTR_WqA7aPq00PygH4gACLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olW7pZ8zbCQ/WfHliK2jnfI/AAAAAAABfDM/5x5NApOV0Z8fUUNR4NXhgk7qqIRNMnVeQCLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olW7pZ8zbCQ/WfHliK2jnfI/AAAAAAABfDM/5x5NApOV0Z8fUUNR4NXhgk7qqIRNMnVeQCLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZD9swtRy30/WfHlh0suveI/AAAAAAABfDI/0FpoPjdNJngxf77d1kpoYGg5C-2tFJQKACLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZD9swtRy30/WfHlh0suveI/AAAAAAABfDI/0FpoPjdNJngxf77d1kpoYGg5C-2tFJQKACLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh0oNIiKd6k/WfHljLzsj_I/AAAAAAABfDQ/0-m7dbcvF-UWJp2Qr48VWBcnZpjHdQIHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh0oNIiKd6k/WfHljLzsj_I/AAAAAAABfDQ/0-m7dbcvF-UWJp2Qr48VWBcnZpjHdQIHQCLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkqnwCQf8QA/WfHlX8mTUtI/AAAAAAABfCk/3jQHrUGydlMCCAkaVtVeJhaiUIgjo1hLACLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkqnwCQf8QA/WfHlX8mTUtI/AAAAAAABfCk/3jQHrUGydlMCCAkaVtVeJhaiUIgjo1hLACLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS10Wz-vzUk/WfHlYmiLLbI/AAAAAAABfCo/eak_eOd93m8RNiQsUGVTUpb0YgGh3IQEwCLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS10Wz-vzUk/WfHlYmiLLbI/AAAAAAABfCo/eak_eOd93m8RNiQsUGVTUpb0YgGh3IQEwCLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0UCbcPaNcms/WfHlaGdH6oI/AAAAAAABfCs/F8f8pXk_QlMkKIp0ksljLwbUqqxvzLloACLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0UCbcPaNcms/WfHlaGdH6oI/AAAAAAABfCs/F8f8pXk_QlMkKIp0ksljLwbUqqxvzLloACLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWJrHsC8eyI/WfHlbAdarhI/AAAAAAABfCw/5vIpx76F4ME5p9tE6MKCJ7OD2yzeIQuTwCLcBGAs/s1600/Walton%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWJrHsC8eyI/WfHlbAdarhI/AAAAAAABfCw/5vIpx76F4ME5p9tE6MKCJ7OD2yzeIQuTwCLcBGAs/s640/Walton%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-90546490556569602062017-10-21T14:04:00.000-07:002017-10-21T14:12:10.001-07:00North Walsham Town - Greens Road<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6xW0KFvdq8/WeuztIlB3-I/AAAAAAABe4k/sbik_LjusUgqen6yf0cjyrJ1pL-oPArCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6xW0KFvdq8/WeuztIlB3-I/AAAAAAABe4k/sbik_LjusUgqen6yf0cjyrJ1pL-oPArCwCLcBGAs/s400/Extras%2B1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">North Walsham Town FC</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Greens Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">North Walsham</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Norfolk</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">NR28 0HW</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/northwalshamtownfc" target="_blank">Official Website</a></span><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/northwalshamfc" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Twitter</span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 737</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Friday 20th October 2017</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">North Walsham 2-2 Hindringham</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Anglian Combination D1</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">NORTH WALSHAM TOWN - A (VERY) BRIEF HISTORY</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Information about the club is hard to come by online, but they were established as far back as 1879 and are nicknamed 'The Angels'. A team called North Walsham Athletic competed in the FA Cup for one season in the mid 50's - beating Bungay Town 3-2 before losing 4-1 to Gorleston in the 2nd Qualifying Round. The club appear to have been in the Anglian Combination for most of their history - winning titles in Division 4 in 1985 and Division 2 in 1967 and 1985. They've been in the Anglian Combination Division 1 since 2013/14, finishing 3rd in their first season, but settling around 6th or 7th place since.&nbsp; This came after they were relegated from the Anglian Combination Premier at the end of the previous season. The club are hoping to move to a bigger site in the future, with help from a property developer. However, local resident Berni Marfleet opposed this and was succesful in getting the council to veto the plans due to traffic concerns. The town itself has a population of 12,634 according to the last census and was once home to Horatio Nelson who studied at the local school. Way back in 1600, the town suffered 'The Great Fire' which destroyed 118 homes and 70 shops as well as the market area.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ4s0E_yrRs/WeuztHCVcBI/AAAAAAABe4o/F_uJxv94RwIO0P8aHCZC_xPdsEaUpl_IgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1005" height="490" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ4s0E_yrRs/WeuztHCVcBI/AAAAAAABe4o/F_uJxv94RwIO0P8aHCZC_xPdsEaUpl_IgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">This visit was planned in the week leading up to the game. Myself and Chris always aim to do a game on Friday and this one was no exception, especially seeing as it was my week off. My preferred option was Kimberley Town AFC, but this was out as Chris doesn't like watching anything that isn't first team football.&nbsp; Aberystwyth Town and Prestatyn Town would have been good, but these were too far in terms of travelling time, especially on a Friday night. This left us with two options - Presteigne St Andrews, or our eventual choice, North Walsham Athletic. This satisfied my criteria of having some cover or something to get a picture of and Chris's of being a first-team game. I did my research with regard to eating and drinking places, with all bases covers. Time would still be tight though, so I was hoping for a good journey.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">On the day of the game, I woke around 9 am. After having a bath, I walked down town and bought a few bits before getting a lift back with my Dad. The afternoon was spent finalising arrangements for tonight's game, including checking the weather and researching the club history. I left just before 3, meeting Chris in Milton Keynes at 4. Soon we were on our way and hearing about numerous traffic delays on the radio. Luckily Chris knew the local area around Cambridgeshire, so we avoided the worst of the delays there, but we weren't so lucky further up, with delays at roundabouts. Then, on the final leg of our journey, we were stuck behind a slow-moving caravan and then a horse box, with us getting to the ground at 7.10.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofdzq7by7oQ/Weuzv0UAmWI/AAAAAAABe4w/wVoZEc5VjikuiMOddu_whX4O5M5RW7KKACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ofdzq7by7oQ/Weuzv0UAmWI/AAAAAAABe4w/wVoZEc5VjikuiMOddu_whX4O5M5RW7KKACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We went in, paying a nominal £2 entry to get in. Visitors Hindringham started the strongest and they took the lead early on with a close-range finish by Broughton. Soon, after around 15 minutes, the hosts were level. There was a trip in the area and Daniel Reynolds stepped up to convert the penalty. Right on halftime, they were ahead, it appeared that a visiting defender deflected the ball into his own net. North Walsham had already hit the bar at this point and shortly after halftime, they had a goal chalked off for offside, at least according to the linesman on our side. The equaliser came on the hour mark, and there was an element of farce about it. A home defender went to clear the ball, but instead passed it to Matt Hudson who gratefully gobbled up the chance as the bemused defender just stood and watched. There were further chances for both sides, with the better ones falling to the hosts, but there were no further goals.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We went into town after the game. I had a swift half of a local cider in a place called the Hop In before heading off to the local Chinese takeaway for chicken satay and chips. I left Chris in the pub while I had my dinner and came back to find him talking to a couple of blokes in the pub about football. I joined in for a bit and it was around 10.20 by the time we left. I took it easy on the roads home, as it was wet and dark, eventually dropping Chris off at 1 am. All was going well until I was driving through Aylesbury. I'd already had a problem earlier this year, having to fork out £900 for a repair to my car when a fox ran out in front of me. The wildlife was at it again, although this time I avoided hitting it, thanks to a combination of braking and swerving but did clip one of the wheels on a kerb. It was a fairly low one, so I didn't damage any bodywork, but it will almost certainly mean a new wheel and definitely a couple of new tyres, although one of them needed replacing anyway. Not the best end to the night, but at least I did have Green Flag cover to recover the vehicle. At this time of night, I did have to wait an hour for help, but the bloke was nice and helpful and to be honest at around £35 a year for the cover, I was glad I had it. I'd heard of mates with the AA being left all night for similar problems, so the speed was good really. I got home eventually just after 3.15, pleased that I was going on the coach to the Swindon v Wycombe game tomorrow. I got the wheels in motion (excuse the pun) for the alloy repair/replacement in terms of quotes when I got home. I was still wide awake at this point, so watched TV for a bit before going to sleep. Next groundhop for me is unknown, as I'll be without my car for a bit, plus there's the cost factor to consider as well. I'll certainly be reconsidering how much and how often I drive to games now, I was aiming to cut this down at the start of the season, but have failed so far in my aims.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1zjrkqoFNI/WeuzuGFzniI/AAAAAAABe4s/sXGGF1B5kBIQWac0fJ6sTSCIhS_W46dywCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1zjrkqoFNI/WeuzuGFzniI/AAAAAAABe4s/sXGGF1B5kBIQWac0fJ6sTSCIhS_W46dywCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">GREENS ROAD is a smart ground for the level and would almost certainly be ready for step 6 football with the addition of some seats. There is plenty of standing cover as it is, a few separate areas with capacity for around 200. The rest of the ground was open. There was a decent sized clubhouse too and this appeared to have a decent range and do hot drinks too. I didn't see any food or a club shop, but the town was under a mile away, with a decent choice of outlets.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A very decent ground for step 7,&nbsp; but no seats (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Loads of parking, just under a mile from town (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent welcome (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">£2 was great value (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Both are of a decent standard and are interactive (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent enough contest (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Seemed decent enough, although I only popped in for a quick photo (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Didn't have these, as far as I could see (-)</span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 70: 49</span><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">AVERAGE SCORE: 7</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XBeR7KoFy8/WeuzwNPU3OI/AAAAAAABe40/j3897yLuBi0aSTeg-4lwJXNwjPk8l7oDwCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XBeR7KoFy8/WeuzwNPU3OI/AAAAAAABe40/j3897yLuBi0aSTeg-4lwJXNwjPk8l7oDwCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEzTpksPT7o/Weuz02woSeI/AAAAAAABe5E/kL4w-1xYPgY8TqpKe91YpuJInTeObosdgCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEzTpksPT7o/Weuz02woSeI/AAAAAAABe5E/kL4w-1xYPgY8TqpKe91YpuJInTeObosdgCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PTTVuF-uog/Weuz21jphVI/AAAAAAABe5I/D_RHJSNAcqkbu6grB-OJ8lreIAFeItggwCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PTTVuF-uog/Weuz21jphVI/AAAAAAABe5I/D_RHJSNAcqkbu6grB-OJ8lreIAFeItggwCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnL5E7ivz64/Weuz311pdmI/AAAAAAABe5M/ewyEc327X2cqtKgTPAEl4BJjz2ZWfW5KQCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnL5E7ivz64/Weuz311pdmI/AAAAAAABe5M/ewyEc327X2cqtKgTPAEl4BJjz2ZWfW5KQCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLab8TTwMI0/Weuz5JLMeNI/AAAAAAABe5Q/chW8xhy3dtYeswws2J0mEcB-A2tezivvwCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLab8TTwMI0/Weuz5JLMeNI/AAAAAAABe5Q/chW8xhy3dtYeswws2J0mEcB-A2tezivvwCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqG99aTtaao/Weuz6ZXKWLI/AAAAAAABe5U/7WP2P1NdjV0ytikrNl9nNTUi1BnrcsjLgCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqG99aTtaao/Weuz6ZXKWLI/AAAAAAABe5U/7WP2P1NdjV0ytikrNl9nNTUi1BnrcsjLgCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5ixQ9H0zHc/Weuz7KHEwiI/AAAAAAABe5Y/uhtkuTDdLRM1_GzbIOeFmnLEL-t8aHnTgCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D5ixQ9H0zHc/Weuz7KHEwiI/AAAAAAABe5Y/uhtkuTDdLRM1_GzbIOeFmnLEL-t8aHnTgCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzlV65zrwLs/Weuz70SitgI/AAAAAAABe5c/3SxZbgSz8K8uv9IYnz_OrJMJhihdfOxcQCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzlV65zrwLs/Weuz70SitgI/AAAAAAABe5c/3SxZbgSz8K8uv9IYnz_OrJMJhihdfOxcQCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFBaZA4K-dE/Weuz8w_JXEI/AAAAAAABe5g/Li0UGOHG8PAFEIH64ECcrbMR3Qtm4OKugCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFBaZA4K-dE/Weuz8w_JXEI/AAAAAAABe5g/Li0UGOHG8PAFEIH64ECcrbMR3Qtm4OKugCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ub822rvXC6g/Weu0neH0FEI/AAAAAAABe5k/RqoJKf-3JEgDl7otOo_q75PeuZSbk6r7ACLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ub822rvXC6g/Weu0neH0FEI/AAAAAAABe5k/RqoJKf-3JEgDl7otOo_q75PeuZSbk6r7ACLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHqi-EbOlJQ/WeuzyLZbWEI/AAAAAAABe44/EvuAaAxXEsgce0ebOf6c_MXFxHgALHR-gCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHqi-EbOlJQ/WeuzyLZbWEI/AAAAAAABe44/EvuAaAxXEsgce0ebOf6c_MXFxHgALHR-gCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2El6Ai1qfKs/WeuzykcUnwI/AAAAAAABe48/eYTFGjiweb4XubXMwgCMERvWwLGPfiKTgCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2El6Ai1qfKs/WeuzykcUnwI/AAAAAAABe48/eYTFGjiweb4XubXMwgCMERvWwLGPfiKTgCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fx28Qhi_zJ8/Weuz0VSKMJI/AAAAAAABe5A/tpDMiQnXM3Ay1mkPjiiSdQIBUSL2qWcEwCLcBGAs/s1600/NWT%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fx28Qhi_zJ8/Weuz0VSKMJI/AAAAAAABe5A/tpDMiQnXM3Ay1mkPjiiSdQIBUSL2qWcEwCLcBGAs/s640/NWT%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-71090941957554804272017-10-20T01:54:00.000-07:002017-10-20T01:56:03.586-07:00Clanfield 85 - Radcot Road<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_gC0gSdjm4/Weik0U-ki2I/AAAAAAABesk/GNjhIWpx-x4DQVMKY4Wa_Ut6Ugad8TLTACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="748" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_gC0gSdjm4/Weik0U-ki2I/AAAAAAABesk/GNjhIWpx-x4DQVMKY4Wa_Ut6Ugad8TLTACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Clanfield 85 FC</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Radcot Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Clanfield</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Oxfordshire</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">OX18 2ST</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">01993 840941</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/clanfield85" target="_blank">Official Website</a></span><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/clannyfc" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Twitter</span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 736</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Thursday 19th October 2017</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Clanfield 85 0-0 Hemel Hempstead Town (5-3 on pens)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">FA Youth Cup 3rd Qualifying Round</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">CLANFIELD 85 - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The original Clanfield FC was formed in 1890. They played in local leagues such as the North Berkshire League, prior to joining the Hellenic League in 1967. Starting out in its second tier, they had a good debut season, finishing 6th and won promotion at the third attempt as Division 1 champions in 1970. There then followed a ten-year spell in the Premier Division, during which time they finished as runners-up twice to&nbsp;Witney Town in 1973 and Moreton in 1974. Despite dropping down to Division 1 in 1980, they bounced back straight away, finishing 2nd behind Wantage Town on goal difference. In 1985, the club reformed following relegation from the Premier Division, thus earning their current name. Since then, they have remained in Division 1, being allocated a place in the Western variant when a geographical split was introduced at the turn of the century. Their best ever finish since reformation is 4th, which they have achieved twice.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">FA Cup experiences&nbsp;have been limited for Clanfield with two defeats in the Extra Preliminary Round to Fareham Town in 2010 and Staines Lammas the following year. The club first entered the FA Vase in the 1974/75 season and their debut season remains their finest. They beat Didcot Town, Wantage Town and Moreton Town&nbsp;before Farnborough Town defeated them 4-3 in an exciting 4th Round clash on home turf. Aside from a 13-year absence between 1993 and 2006, they've entered the Vase every season since, with the second round their best progress in recent times. Local cup honours include two Hellenic Premier Cups, an Oxford Junior Cup and a Witney Senior Challenge Cup. The record attendance of 197 came for a 2002 game against Kidlington. The village of Clanfield itself is pretty small, with a population of 879 according to the last census.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I'd been planning to go to Clanfield for a while, as it was pretty local. The only problem was, they played in a small league with just 15 teams so midweek fixtures were pretty thin on the ground. I'd missed out on a few opportunities in this seasons FA Youth Cup - this season Clanfield had already accounted for Bracknell Town and Oxford City so far, both on home soil. Tonight's visitors Hemel Hempstead Town had beaten Uxbridge and Chesham United to&nbsp;get here, the latter with a convincing 6-0 win earlier this month. I'd visited Clanfield 85 back on the 5th April 2011, on the way to a goalless draw between Hereford and Wycombe. I wasn't really a groundhopper then in terms of going to games, but I did enjoy looking at and getting pictures of grounds. I got a really friendly welcome at Clanfield, getting a free programme and this stuck in my mind whenever I saw their name come up on fixture lists.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">On the day of the game, I woke at 8.30 after a late night the previous night. My first job was to get dressed and take my car to the local garage for its annual MOT and service. After walking back, I cracked on with catching up on my blogs for grounds that I'd visited during my couple of days up north. After lunch, I started tonight's blogs - researching Clanfield's club history. I also had a couple of things to post that I'd sold on eBay, so I was quite busy. It was my Mum &amp; Dad's 43rd wedding anniversary, so I was glad when my Dad was going down Sainsbury's so I could buy them the customary card and bottle of wine. I then went to pick up my car, which had failed its MOT due to two tyres and a windscreen wiper. I ordered the wiper, plus the advisory items of a new windscreen fluid bottle and brake pads with the garage, choosing to sort the tyres myself. £316 down already for the service &amp; MOT, I then came home and ordered the tyres myself. I saved £20 - £30 per tyre by getting them done online, with the pair costing £82, booking them in for next Monday and the rest of the stuff on Tuesday. I was glad that I'd got my MOT done with 3 weeks still left to run, as it gave me plenty of time for a retest and to get things sorted. After all that was done, I relaxed for a bit, having a Chicken Jalfrezi for dinner before leaving at 5.45.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuvrzJuvzI8/Wem41VqcymI/AAAAAAABezg/2deQIMQQrvMHjnXO_-XFmXePA6MgiJhAgCLcBGAs/s1600/FAYC%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuvrzJuvzI8/Wem41VqcymI/AAAAAAABezg/2deQIMQQrvMHjnXO_-XFmXePA6MgiJhAgCLcBGAs/s640/FAYC%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I picked Anwar up at 6.15, but it was slow getting out of Aylesbury due to daft traffic calming measures on the main route out of the town. Due to delays elsewhere, we were forced to take a back route through country lanes. We got to Clanfield at 7.35, paying £4 to get in. I met a couple of people I knew - Sean (a Swindon Supermarine fan) and John (a fellow groundhopper) briefly saying hello before taking a seat in the stand. The seats had been added since my initial visit, with the cover being quite full thanks to the inclement weather. Hemel were wearing a fetching two-tone green kit, which I couldn't work out whether I liked or not, but it was Clanfield who had the better of the first half, creating the most chances and coming closest to scoring. I spent most of the second half chatting to someone from the Cheltenham Town FC academy and he was decent company and wished Wycombe well. On the field, the referee could have done better. Hemel Hempstead were slightly fortunate not to be a man down after a two-footed tackle, however, a Clanfield man got his marching orders for two yellow cards. The lad in question was frustrated and threw his shirt to the floor before trudging off. The hosts were still well on top at this point, albeit that chances were few and far between. Any fears that the balance of play might be altered were allayed as they continued to have the upper hand during extra time, although Hemel also came close on the break. I was glad when it went to penalties so that there could be a bit of drama to end the night. All takers were successful until it got to the visitors' third striker. The player hit it fairly central and the home keeper guessed correctly.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TB5sblq8q4Q/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TB5sblq8q4Q?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Wild celebrations followed and Clanfield had deserved it, both on and off the field. They'd promoted it well on social media and were rewarded with a decent crowd that could have been three figures. Though it hadn't been the best of games, I'd enjoyed my night out. It was past 10.30 by the time we left, but good time was made on the way back. I dropped Anwar off at 11.30, stopping for petrol on the way home. With me getting in around midnight and still not tired, I had a couple of drinks and started to write up my blog. I'd filmed the penalties too, so I was hoping to find an app to edit that. Hopefully, Clanfield will get a good draw in the next round, for me it will be something, probably North Walsham with another hopper, Chris, tomorrow.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTdxPLwk0uI/Wem43D08eYI/AAAAAAABezs/vl0q2ARBz7sv3YjidTak-ibr1aEnX1NkQCLcBGAs/s1600/FAYC%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="585" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTdxPLwk0uI/Wem43D08eYI/AAAAAAABezs/vl0q2ARBz7sv3YjidTak-ibr1aEnX1NkQCLcBGAs/s640/FAYC%2B6.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: red; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />When I visited Radcot Road back in 2011, I didn't see much of the ground. There was no seats at the time, but there was a pretty large covered standing area, with space for around 200. The rest of the ground was open standing. Upon my return, seating had been installed under the cover, making the ground compliant for the Hellenic Premier. There was also a bar and hot drinks available.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b><br />Fairly standard step 6 ground, well maintained (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Plenty of parking (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b><br />A nice welcome when I visited in 2011 (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b><br />£4 for the FA Youth Cup was good value (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b><br />Pitchero site, regular Twitter updates (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b><br />Didn't see one on my match visit (-)<br /><b><br /></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b><br />Not the best, penalties was a good conclusion (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b><br />Didn't use (-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b><br />Didn't use, but looked OK (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b><br />None (-)<br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 70: 45<br />AVERAGE SCORE 6.4</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwdUbZPz2o0/WeikysSDzPI/AAAAAAABesY/Yuj1nYrRnDY_gcf85pXFkDz7rMuvAJksQCLcBGAs/s1600/Clanfield%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwdUbZPz2o0/WeikysSDzPI/AAAAAAABesY/Yuj1nYrRnDY_gcf85pXFkDz7rMuvAJksQCLcBGAs/s640/Clanfield%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-916A75h3SA4/Weikx-JfOBI/AAAAAAABesQ/3Zhq-Mr7xrwZfkfKaFiSJ1EUmcCjqWsYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Clanfield%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-916A75h3SA4/Weikx-JfOBI/AAAAAAABesQ/3Zhq-Mr7xrwZfkfKaFiSJ1EUmcCjqWsYwCLcBGAs/s640/Clanfield%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmfAt_43BFc/Wem416vFCAI/AAAAAAABezk/7llxgKyEGTkYXtmz4EeFusW7W1La58X_ACLcBGAs/s1600/FAYC%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmfAt_43BFc/Wem416vFCAI/AAAAAAABezk/7llxgKyEGTkYXtmz4EeFusW7W1La58X_ACLcBGAs/s640/FAYC%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8PSURf0kDI/WeikyOYC7HI/AAAAAAABesU/hnYz1WixaCc5BtuGtT7SG3ZsHHNtWfhsACLcBGAs/s1600/Clanfield%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8PSURf0kDI/WeikyOYC7HI/AAAAAAABesU/hnYz1WixaCc5BtuGtT7SG3ZsHHNtWfhsACLcBGAs/s640/Clanfield%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8my5dukHWAk/Weikz6_qeTI/AAAAAAABesg/EraNMJ5Sg0obHRFTdPhmTqguUuVuAJsggCLcBGAs/s1600/Clanfield%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8my5dukHWAk/Weikz6_qeTI/AAAAAAABesg/EraNMJ5Sg0obHRFTdPhmTqguUuVuAJsggCLcBGAs/s640/Clanfield%2B4.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lzyNBh6L5_U/WeikzthYtCI/AAAAAAABesc/kvmCDhxXjNU6th0HYB1MmsW6v09ii6RIACLcBGAs/s1600/Clanfield%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lzyNBh6L5_U/WeikzthYtCI/AAAAAAABesc/kvmCDhxXjNU6th0HYB1MmsW6v09ii6RIACLcBGAs/s640/Clanfield%2B5.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFo1BeKjHw4/Weik0Xraf5I/AAAAAAABeso/dXaI1D4UlgQgTjI9xAZ_9weidIDgrXqjwCLcBGAs/s1600/Clanfield%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFo1BeKjHw4/Weik0Xraf5I/AAAAAAABeso/dXaI1D4UlgQgTjI9xAZ_9weidIDgrXqjwCLcBGAs/s640/Clanfield%2B6.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1NrLrRfIqA/Weik1NBJSWI/AAAAAAABess/5JfoAQZHMA8wvBmt4-UHpFl2iETebIJSACLcBGAs/s1600/Clanfield%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1NrLrRfIqA/Weik1NBJSWI/AAAAAAABess/5JfoAQZHMA8wvBmt4-UHpFl2iETebIJSACLcBGAs/s640/Clanfield%2B7.JPG" width="640" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXYUyIh6w48/Wem42bu2r8I/AAAAAAABezo/w2CZki9Qlr0IA1uC6HP-VwFVsuZV5j42QCLcBGAs/s1600/FAYC%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXYUyIh6w48/Wem42bu2r8I/AAAAAAABezo/w2CZki9Qlr0IA1uC6HP-VwFVsuZV5j42QCLcBGAs/s640/FAYC%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZNCw5pSYqc/Wem44iSsZnI/AAAAAAABez0/yoPai0BxcdsUMumc7ybqe7KLynxSJIDNACLcBGAs/s1600/FAYC%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZNCw5pSYqc/Wem44iSsZnI/AAAAAAABez0/yoPai0BxcdsUMumc7ybqe7KLynxSJIDNACLcBGAs/s640/FAYC%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzb17gieG3U/Wem43x21e1I/AAAAAAABezw/-gL5WrnahG0lQw9w4U5hk_2LNpSSa0OpwCLcBGAs/s1600/FAYC%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzb17gieG3U/Wem43x21e1I/AAAAAAABezw/-gL5WrnahG0lQw9w4U5hk_2LNpSSa0OpwCLcBGAs/s640/FAYC%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-64964923792636013192017-10-19T04:18:00.001-07:002017-10-19T04:18:50.488-07:00Crook Town - Sir Tom Cowie Millfield<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVvPg0nH0aY/WeiIMQ8LpsI/AAAAAAABerc/T3tUofM6fu4mx9ROwZLeFC1q6cXe_NTEwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVvPg0nH0aY/WeiIMQ8LpsI/AAAAAAABerc/T3tUofM6fu4mx9ROwZLeFC1q6cXe_NTEwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> <div style="text-align: center;">Crook Town FC</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Sir Tom Cowie Millfield</div><div style="text-align: center;">West Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crook</div><div style="text-align: center;">County Durham</div><div style="text-align: center;">DL15 9PW</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">01388 762959</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.crooktownfc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/crooktown_afc" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Number: 735<br />Wednesday 18th October 2017<br />Crook Town 1-5 Newcastle Benfield<br />Northern League Cup 1st Round<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f1c232;">CROOK TOWN FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed after a merger between Crook and Crook Excelsior in 1889. They played friendly matches for their first few years before joining the Bishop Auckland &amp; District League in 1894. After finishing as runners-up in their second season, Crook Town joined the Northern League in 1896. They struggled at first, finishing bottom in two of their first three seasons.They won the first of their five Northern League titles in 1915, all of them achieved whilst the competition was a single division, The club had a brief spell in the North Eastern League in the 1930's, their only spell away from the Northern League, but success was limited, finishing in the bottom half more often than not during a six-year spell. For the 1982/83 season, the Northern League established a second division and Crook have spent equal time in both. Finishes have ranged from a low of 18th in Division 2 in 1992/93 to a high of 5th in Division 1 in 1996/97.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">In the FA Cup, Crook Town got as far as the FA Cup 3rd Round, way back in 1933 where after beating Football League sides Aldershot &amp; Stockport County, they crashed 7-0 at Leicester. Success has been a little more modest in recent times with runs to the 1st Round in 1976 (lost 4-1 at home to Nuneaton Brough) and the 4th Qualifying Round in 1999 (lost 7-0 at Doncaster) being the highlights. The FA Amateur Cup saw great times for the club back in the day - reaching the final 5 times and winning them all. In its replacements, they have reached the FA Trophy 3rd Round in 1976/77 and the FA Vase Quarter Final in 2005/06. Local cup wins include the Northern League Cup three times, the Durham Challenge Cup four times, the Durham Benevolent Bowl on five occasions and the Captain G Wright Trophy twice. In the 1910's and 1920's, the club made regular trips to Barcelona to play the Spanish giants, winning 2 and drawing 4 of the 10 games they played. The club's record attendance came in 1952 when 17,500 somehow packed into the Millfield for an FA Amateur Cup game against Walton &amp; Hersham.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-NEZ2nIUIc/WeiIQ41tRJI/AAAAAAABer0/E2wvXdjx4IA_tEd6_trx0D8W8m8gRCvtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-NEZ2nIUIc/WeiIQ41tRJI/AAAAAAABer0/E2wvXdjx4IA_tEd6_trx0D8W8m8gRCvtwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f1c232;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><br />As I was up in Carlisle for a Wycombe game on Tuesday, I booked a botel overnight to break the long journey. Of course, a match would be taken in on Wednesday and initially, I was hoping to make progress south and see an afternoon game too. However, choices were few and far between, so I thought again. Crook Town and Tow Law Town (who contest an amusingly named local derby - Crook v The Lawyers) were two grounds I really wanted to visit, but chances were very sparse. So when Crook came up with a rare Wednesday night game against Newcastle Benfield, I knew I had to go. It would mean a mammoth&nbsp;trip home on Wednesday night, which wasn't ideal as I had to be up fairly early on Thursday as my car was in for its MOT. Also, I had to find somewhere to kill time on Wednesday daytime. But these were sacrifices both worth making, especially as according to 'Groundtastic' magazine, the ground was due to go in the not too distant future.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WPlVumK7ec/WeiJs2kpm5I/AAAAAAABesA/9SvW4CyHYwMKXSyWN4j1AS-2CjPAKsfigCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-07-18%2B13.03.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WPlVumK7ec/WeiJs2kpm5I/AAAAAAABesA/9SvW4CyHYwMKXSyWN4j1AS-2CjPAKsfigCLcBGAs/s640/2017-07-18%2B13.03.19.jpg" width="640" /></a></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I’d had a few drinks the night before, celebrating a last-minute equaliser for Wycombe in their 3-3 draw at Carlisle. Unusually for that type of situation, I fully remember the evening, although I did wake up at 5 am with the light on. After switching it off, I had another sleep until&nbsp; 9, which meant that I’d had a good night’s sleep after getting to bed at 11.30 ish the previous night. I felt pretty fresh considering, but couldn’t be bothered to go out and get breakfast as I wanted to get my blog done. With all that uploaded and me caught up online, I had stacks of time to kill, so after checking out of my room at 10.30, I went for a look around Carlisle. I didn't buy much, just a film for my PSP that cost a bargain 20p about the history of the England football team. At least I'd used up some time, as it was nearly 1 when I got back to my car. From there I drove to Carlisle City to look at what was a very impressive ground for the level and was luckily open for me to get pictures. I wasn't so lucky at Prudhoe Town but managed to find a hole in the fence at Annfield Plain. In between, I popped into Consett. It was a nice town and best of all, thanks to a decent council, parking was free. I bought a fancy box of Carte Noir chocolates from Barry's Bargain Superstore for a quid, having remembered it from when I went to Consett's old ground. I also filled up with fuel at Morrisons, so I had enough to get me home.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqy_cSu2m94/WeiIPiB-Z0I/AAAAAAABero/_nloy-866-YcY9X4ip0pl4x3TSOFlgr3gCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqy_cSu2m94/WeiIPiB-Z0I/AAAAAAABero/_nloy-866-YcY9X4ip0pl4x3TSOFlgr3gCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I got to Crook at 4.45, parking in a car park opposite the ground. After checking that the game was definitely on, I made my way into town. After having a look around the town and buying a paper, I went to the local Wetherspoons. I had a half of Thistly Cross while I read my paper. After that, I went in search of dinner, having a pork curry with chips and rice as well as a pint of Strongbow for £5.95 in the Crook Hotel. After that, I made my way to the ground, paying a very reasonable £6 including programme. I sat in the freshly refurbished bar for a while, reading my programme before the game. Fellow groundhoppers had said good things about the ground and I had to agree, it was a right cracker. I sat in the stand for the game, which had a decent view of the action.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wk1cv1krwqY/WeiIQIk4Y4I/AAAAAAABers/O1_Twfe92WkZydd_cbR9pF0gBqo2rTeBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wk1cv1krwqY/WeiIQIk4Y4I/AAAAAAABers/O1_Twfe92WkZydd_cbR9pF0gBqo2rTeBgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Newcastle Benfield started the strongest and they took the lead on 6 minutes, a low diagonal shot from around 10 yards after Scott McCarthy got away from the defence. The visitors looked comfortable and likely to add to their lead but on 23 minutes, Crook equalised with a towering Matt Stephenson header from a corner. Their joy was short lived though, on 25 minutes Benfield were back ahead when a cross from the left was headed in by McCarthy from close range for his and his team's second. At halftime, I got a Bovril from the tea bar before retaking my place in the stand. A few minutes into the second half, the visitors looked to have the game sewn up, making it 3-1 from another close-range finish, this time from 40-year-old Paul Brayson who starred in the Football League with Cardiff, Swansea and Reading amongst others. Benfield were running away with it by now and after having a Brayson goal disallowed for offside, it was 4-1 after 80 minutes. It was veteran Brayson again, this time slotting past the onrushing keeper from the edge of the area. A few minutes from time, it was 5-1, with a finish from a few yards at the near post, Brayson completing his hat-trick.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNzhG0lWbDI/WeiIHQC9rhI/AAAAAAABerM/6o28YUJBNEIuLXUm8Pq4LhIuJuKrrw9_QCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNzhG0lWbDI/WeiIHQC9rhI/AAAAAAABerM/6o28YUJBNEIuLXUm8Pq4LhIuJuKrrw9_QCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">From there I drove home, leaving Crook just before 9.30. It was a decent journey home, with just the one stop at Woodall services. I got in at 1.40, but not being tired at all, I stayed up until 3.30 am. Despite not much sleep, I felt fine when I woke at 8.30 am the following morning. It had been an expensive couple of days away, costing nearly £150 and it was to be was to be an expensive week with my car in for its MOT and service, but it had been enjoyable. The football would continue the following night with something a bit more local - Clanfield 85 v Hemel Hempstead Town in the FA Youth Cup.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra68apcWbzk/WeiIQLnPFPI/AAAAAAABerw/WmIF7ArNeUIBU-5MILKytkanDgBO7nJVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra68apcWbzk/WeiIQLnPFPI/AAAAAAABerw/WmIF7ArNeUIBU-5MILKytkanDgBO7nJVgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.png" width="360" /></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #f1c232; color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />THE SIR TOM COWIE MILLFIELD has a great reputation amongst groundhoppers and rightly so, as it's a classic. There's a covered stand, this is rated as a 400, capacity, but as it is bench style seating, you could probably fit another 100 in physically. To the side of this is some covered terracing, this has space for around 700. There's some open terracing behind the goal too, with around the same capacity again. The rest of the ground is open flat standing.<br /><br />The bar is newly refurbished and quite a nice place to have a drink. The tea bar has a wide range at good prices, although I didn't see a club shop. There's plenty of choice in the town, a short walk away and I enjoyed the Crook Hotel better out of the two pubs that I visited.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f1c232;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b><br />A real classic ground, well kept too (9)<br /><b><br /></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b><br />Lots of free parking, close to town (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b><br />Nice enough (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b><br />A fiver entry was good value (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Reasonably regular updates on Twitter (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Contains all the essentials, good for £1 (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b><br />A bit one-sided (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Good selection at good prices (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b><br />Freshly refurbished, reasonable range of drinks (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b><br />None that I saw (-)<br /><br /><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 90: 64<br />AVERAGE SCORE: 7.1</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f1c232;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-pfoCCic-E/WeiH7nIlgiI/AAAAAAABeqg/GEZk2OQJpmc7ZYDDxTLJFOKpBvZ9knaOwCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-pfoCCic-E/WeiH7nIlgiI/AAAAAAABeqg/GEZk2OQJpmc7ZYDDxTLJFOKpBvZ9knaOwCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUhdn1hZqD4/WeiIFnNBYdI/AAAAAAABerE/UT7AYaIavBEkmVTwzh5bnkx4DaMgReifQCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1600" height="383" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUhdn1hZqD4/WeiIFnNBYdI/AAAAAAABerE/UT7AYaIavBEkmVTwzh5bnkx4DaMgReifQCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2Pw7rBaKwc/WeiIJAefKLI/AAAAAAABerQ/JN9iq7C33ZI2XT5NDJOsp0sB0aUVA_XHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2Pw7rBaKwc/WeiIJAefKLI/AAAAAAABerQ/JN9iq7C33ZI2XT5NDJOsp0sB0aUVA_XHgCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zfYFXVtZIA/WeiIObuYCiI/AAAAAAABerk/ga7oVuwnSD8u8pPV7uZhddZRoi_hJzIAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zfYFXVtZIA/WeiIObuYCiI/AAAAAAABerk/ga7oVuwnSD8u8pPV7uZhddZRoi_hJzIAgCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Pl-QZ1KFMU/WeiIJquaV5I/AAAAAAABerU/uqU-jEKiCM4Uqtwv9Vjm1hy5uimNx4X_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Pl-QZ1KFMU/WeiIJquaV5I/AAAAAAABerU/uqU-jEKiCM4Uqtwv9Vjm1hy5uimNx4X_gCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B6.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltMVxCVhSHo/WeiILvPPb-I/AAAAAAABerY/Pm9uoal774AoTjGyBLsn3SdB3H0_8Od7ACLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltMVxCVhSHo/WeiILvPPb-I/AAAAAAABerY/Pm9uoal774AoTjGyBLsn3SdB3H0_8Od7ACLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NvU6-Os4wI/WeiIMkY0WFI/AAAAAAABerg/CFs52_zKeD0UJh1WtQEb_G4-TDEY03fSACLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NvU6-Os4wI/WeiIMkY0WFI/AAAAAAABerg/CFs52_zKeD0UJh1WtQEb_G4-TDEY03fSACLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B8.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsdADySD9rg/WeiH7gWSK3I/AAAAAAABeqk/VpS3mY5wZH4SEyjREUw4F9XMH8a6PteCgCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsdADySD9rg/WeiH7gWSK3I/AAAAAAABeqk/VpS3mY5wZH4SEyjREUw4F9XMH8a6PteCgCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DdZL6lv6TbQ/WeiH7yWQBLI/AAAAAAABeqo/9ic_Uk46cuMfTfQxULFm2ejgpQ-GMz6-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DdZL6lv6TbQ/WeiH7yWQBLI/AAAAAAABeqo/9ic_Uk46cuMfTfQxULFm2ejgpQ-GMz6-gCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBwwzUJpZ7c/WeiH-FMYpwI/AAAAAAABeqs/Bl_pFDuFRjIszWU7T-KvDdarrI1NlKLhwCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBwwzUJpZ7c/WeiH-FMYpwI/AAAAAAABeqs/Bl_pFDuFRjIszWU7T-KvDdarrI1NlKLhwCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNxZrvuGIpE/WeiH_2y9ywI/AAAAAAABeqw/uYY8Ucpstxgxxt6adXijnDcLDFcuAzXpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNxZrvuGIpE/WeiH_2y9ywI/AAAAAAABeqw/uYY8Ucpstxgxxt6adXijnDcLDFcuAzXpgCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh-O4v_Y2Aw/WeiIAI98rAI/AAAAAAABeq0/mD2OO3syU0cbcLB0aJyTUPC1oRBYkrw5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh-O4v_Y2Aw/WeiIAI98rAI/AAAAAAABeq0/mD2OO3syU0cbcLB0aJyTUPC1oRBYkrw5QCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YnZQjiFuKII/WeiICHC6l_I/AAAAAAABeq4/9B-wlZRRyokJaRk8R9vKupfdQNnCA84LwCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YnZQjiFuKII/WeiICHC6l_I/AAAAAAABeq4/9B-wlZRRyokJaRk8R9vKupfdQNnCA84LwCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjx-RqZANdc/WeiID3dkIEI/AAAAAAABeq8/UKnJ_J76Fr8Q_p1I3QDM1VB9O-R6ImW5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjx-RqZANdc/WeiID3dkIEI/AAAAAAABeq8/UKnJ_J76Fr8Q_p1I3QDM1VB9O-R6ImW5QCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvl5xaqyjEo/WeiIESjLW8I/AAAAAAABerA/DTS-kuneAzU547hDy6tMaoyBPirK5ZR2wCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvl5xaqyjEo/WeiIESjLW8I/AAAAAAABerA/DTS-kuneAzU547hDy6tMaoyBPirK5ZR2wCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjuhrCYBO6I/WeiIGAOaP-I/AAAAAAABerI/GmzoY5DrpCAw-1--Wrixsyc43Ph_l-HSgCLcBGAs/s1600/Crook%2B18.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjuhrCYBO6I/WeiIGAOaP-I/AAAAAAABerI/GmzoY5DrpCAw-1--Wrixsyc43Ph_l-HSgCLcBGAs/s640/Crook%2B18.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-23166287419045588622017-10-11T12:20:00.000-07:002017-10-11T12:22:00.044-07:00Coventry Copsewood - Allard Way<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlG0vxxOdpM/Wd5s_bsdjbI/AAAAAAABeXA/2V9fnef8VeINhIIxGEuvhLZWRWblRxJXgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="873" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlG0vxxOdpM/Wd5s_bsdjbI/AAAAAAABeXA/2V9fnef8VeINhIIxGEuvhLZWRWblRxJXgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> <div style="text-align: center;">Coventry Copsewood FC<br />Allard Way<br />Coventry<br />West Midlands<br />CV3 1JP</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/coventrycopsewoodfc/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></span><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/CovCopsewoodFC" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Twitter</span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 734</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Tuesday 10th October 2017</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Coventry Copsewood 3-0 Coventry Alvis</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Midland League D1</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">COVENTRY COPSEWOOD - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1922 under the name Peel Connor and has been known under various guises during its history, such as GPT Coventry, Marconi&nbsp;(Coventry), Coventry Marconi and from 2005, Coventry Copsewood. They mainly competed in local works leagues prior to joining the Midland Combination in 1993. Starting in Division 2, a 5th placed finish in their first season was good enough for promotion. The club would spend 3 seasons in Division 1, earning promotion as champions during the 1996/97 season. Since then, they've been in the Midland Combination Premier, which has since been absorbed into the Midland League Division 1.Finishes have ranged from 3rd in 2005 and 2012 to 21st in 2008. Last season they finished 12th and before tonight's game, they sat slightly higher in 9th place.<br /><br />Coventry Copsewood have not yet made their FA Cup bow, although they have been competing in the FA Vase since the start of the new millennium.&nbsp; Their best run came in their second season in the competition, 2001/02. After beating Heath Hayes, Bolehall Swifts and Rothwell Corinthians, they lost narrowly in the 2nd Round to Rushall Olympic with a 2-1 defeat away from home. They've seen plenty of local cup success too winning the Coventry Telegraph Cup three times running, the Coventry Charity Cup three times,&nbsp; Birmingham Junior Cup twice and the Terry Alden Cup.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDT7zJGpj3c/WdzeLkPQneI/AAAAAAABeVM/TFLH87fmobEkaJb3IjGay0ehqLp8AoEQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Footy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="706" height="619" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDT7zJGpj3c/WdzeLkPQneI/AAAAAAABeVM/TFLH87fmobEkaJb3IjGay0ehqLp8AoEQwCLcBGAs/s640/Footy.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><br />After a busy week off work, including a weekend where I did 7 games, I was keen to take it a bit easier this week. I'd looked in the Non-League Paper on Sunday morning and presented fellow hopper Anwar with a list of 16 possible games that we could go to. After letting him mull it over for a bit, we both decided on the local derby between Coventry Copsewood and Coventry Alvis. It was one of the nearest unvisited grounds for both of us and so it was a fairly simple choice. We'd actually tried to visit there back at the end of February, but a late deluge rendered the pitch unplayable, just as we were arriving in Coventry. We ended up doing a revisit to Sutton Coldfield that night, as they had the 'safe' option of a 3G pitch.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">On the day of the game, I woke up at 8.30 after having my best night's sleep in ages. As was customary for my day off, I had a bath and got dressed before walking the 4 miles into town. Amongst other things, I bought a chicken Jalfrezi for lunch. Morrisons curries are usually not up to much, but with it being reduced to £1.50 because of 'Indian Week', now was a good time to retry it. It was decent enough, especially when paired with some 70p Mexican rice. After lunch, I started making plans for tonight, including meals. The Morrisons shareholders must be rubbing their hands with glee, as myself and Anwar always enjoy our meals there and there was a store with a cafe a couple of miles from the ground. The rest of the afternoon was spent starting tonight's blog and going to collect my prescription amongst other things, the latter I'd forgotten to do on my way down town earlier. Once I got back, I started looking at next week when I will be staying in Carlisle on Tuesday. It was frustrating trying to find somewhere reasonably priced near Whitchurch Alport on Monday but I was happy to see Crook Town at home on Wednesday, as it was a long-term target.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRYDIvkx10g/Wd5tCJd3YQI/AAAAAAABeXQ/D3LkDj2ID8k1-nBkBlaPwZ3MSo3JouYbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRYDIvkx10g/Wd5tCJd3YQI/AAAAAAABeXQ/D3LkDj2ID8k1-nBkBlaPwZ3MSo3JouYbQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I left at 4, meeting Anwar at 4.30. It was a very good journey up, with us getting to Morrisons at 6. Anwar went for Macaroni Cheese and chips, whilst I went for the healthy option of red Thai curry. We both enjoyed our meals and mine was great value at £4. Anwar got another bargain with two packs of cakes for 9p each and it was still only 6.35 by the time we left. We got to the ground 10 minutes later, getting some pictures of the signs outside the ground before going in the club room where we paid our £5 entry and I got a programme for a quid. I'd seen tonight's opponents Coventry Alvis last season with fellow hopper Chris last season. Though they were league champions in 2016, they only finished 3rd last year and had struggled to date this season, sitting bottom of the table. We stayed inside until 7.30, which gave me time to do my blog and catch up online. Anwar also shared out his doughnuts, with me having a couple for my pudding. After we'd gone outside, I found myself a position on the halfway line to watch the game.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbMKvziijCc/Wd5tCnbTmRI/AAAAAAABeXU/Y0icgX_oAUAynpZ_5H9gFyagiJ-AlFt1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbMKvziijCc/Wd5tCnbTmRI/AAAAAAABeXU/Y0icgX_oAUAynpZ_5H9gFyagiJ-AlFt1wCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Copsewood dominated from the start and missed a number of gilt-edged chances to take the lead. Their wasteful finishing meant the score was goalless at the break, although Alvis had gradually got better, they were restricted to chances on the break. Copsewood finally took the lead on 50 minutes, a ball was flashed across the six-yard box and Liam Davies was on hand to divert it into the corner. A couple of minutes later, it was 2-0 when a corner was put in from the left and a Matthew Burt headed it home. The chances became less frequent after this, although the hosts did hit the bar with around 15 minutes remaining. They extended their lead on 77 minutes with a scrappy deflected goal from Burt to put the game beyond all doubt. Even with all the injury time, the game ended around 9.40. It was a good journey home with me dropping Anwar off at 10.55. I got home at 11.15 to find a nice tweet from the club, hoping that I's has a good evening. I went to bed around half an hour later and with me up at 4 for work, I needed a 4-hour nap the following afternoon. Next up for me will be a game on Friday, hopefully, Ely City with Anwar.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptH89XUWui8/Wd5s_xebx2I/AAAAAAABeXI/X_FUuhQ4to0YC_ezL5jebHg8nZfZL_wNACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="631" height="417" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptH89XUWui8/Wd5s_xebx2I/AAAAAAABeXI/X_FUuhQ4to0YC_ezL5jebHg8nZfZL_wNACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">ALVIS WAY is a decent enough ground for the level. There are two areas of cover, a seated stand of a capacity of 65 and this includes seats from Coventry City's old Highfield Road ground. The other is behind the goal, a covered terrace for around 200, although this is set a fair way back from the pitch. The rest of the ground is open. Inside the ground is a committee room which has basic drinks, although I think there's more facilities elsewhere on the site.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">SCORES ON T</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">HE DOORS</span></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Decent enough for step 6 (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Bags of parking, but seemed a bit isolated (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Friendly welcome in the club room (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Reasonably priced for step 5 (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Semi regular updates, occasional interatction and Pitchero site (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Reasonable effort and only £1 (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Started brightly with missed chances, but faded (5)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Very basic like many at this level (4)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>10: Club Shop</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Didn't see either (-)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 80: 50</span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">AVERAGE SCORE: 6.25</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: blue; color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: blue;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-if2suaak6c0/Wd5s2zdHjMI/AAAAAAABeWY/uFP7e7Vj5EUEjtJmz7r9xm3gTmvmTiYawCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-if2suaak6c0/Wd5s2zdHjMI/AAAAAAABeWY/uFP7e7Vj5EUEjtJmz7r9xm3gTmvmTiYawCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rU4LSdUL4aU/Wd5s5KpvRSI/AAAAAAABeWk/ObEFy5ZuU34lsxHUtNiKDyXEzybTrC_CACLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rU4LSdUL4aU/Wd5s5KpvRSI/AAAAAAABeWk/ObEFy5ZuU34lsxHUtNiKDyXEzybTrC_CACLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SF8mEeuvnYU/Wd5s5iaMKWI/AAAAAAABeWo/GMSzCGCMHfwACVYCOEOf2tu1cmZiWz3gACLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SF8mEeuvnYU/Wd5s5iaMKWI/AAAAAAABeWo/GMSzCGCMHfwACVYCOEOf2tu1cmZiWz3gACLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrTYIr-_24s/Wd5s6k9chII/AAAAAAABeWw/RTl0DOJdKNk0qBeRB0EnWqZG0Fbf8fgfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrTYIr-_24s/Wd5s6k9chII/AAAAAAABeWw/RTl0DOJdKNk0qBeRB0EnWqZG0Fbf8fgfQCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B4.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ensHeYP9LeQ/Wd5s814elLI/AAAAAAABeW0/7Z8aie9chc883eO_KJ_gDZ38XeNLbKouQCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ensHeYP9LeQ/Wd5s814elLI/AAAAAAABeW0/7Z8aie9chc883eO_KJ_gDZ38XeNLbKouQCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPES8DdD9_I/Wd5s9yz4tLI/AAAAAAABeW4/-ZfNQXGY-9MuA6n89_8jGuUE7J7oorS8wCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPES8DdD9_I/Wd5s9yz4tLI/AAAAAAABeW4/-ZfNQXGY-9MuA6n89_8jGuUE7J7oorS8wCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZaE529KyCQ/Wd5s-ig7T6I/AAAAAAABeW8/N7QFNkBZb2YbhLjxOX45O4iNc6SD1GT3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZaE529KyCQ/Wd5s-ig7T6I/AAAAAAABeW8/N7QFNkBZb2YbhLjxOX45O4iNc6SD1GT3QCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZcnUKweEpA/Wd5s_k44ZBI/AAAAAAABeXE/pC9xiGPzSsQzYWxQFYHwQHBEVZYc6Af_QCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZcnUKweEpA/Wd5s_k44ZBI/AAAAAAABeXE/pC9xiGPzSsQzYWxQFYHwQHBEVZYc6Af_QCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axW0byjLCJ8/Wd5tANMUBzI/AAAAAAABeXM/6RpAJ0Fm2i8y1FBE-8wbBQX7RH2QG7RigCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axW0byjLCJ8/Wd5tANMUBzI/AAAAAAABeXM/6RpAJ0Fm2i8y1FBE-8wbBQX7RH2QG7RigCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aI2dreNRUs/Wd5s3Cd1m-I/AAAAAAABeWc/ccZP3wqJuaICDy7_2WdyJKosGRQuJh83ACLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aI2dreNRUs/Wd5s3Cd1m-I/AAAAAAABeWc/ccZP3wqJuaICDy7_2WdyJKosGRQuJh83ACLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e45MnVNYn0c/Wd5s3acdE4I/AAAAAAABeWg/7YfixsWVXDkuoWhmVEwZuPWxWWkzbhW1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e45MnVNYn0c/Wd5s3acdE4I/AAAAAAABeWg/7YfixsWVXDkuoWhmVEwZuPWxWWkzbhW1QCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RTnB3RRgsfY/Wd5s6Iyq8sI/AAAAAAABeWs/xXgiKzvQnRAKLJT-cczwU6uQhZuKdXpXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Copse%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RTnB3RRgsfY/Wd5s6Iyq8sI/AAAAAAABeWs/xXgiKzvQnRAKLJT-cczwU6uQhZuKdXpXQCLcBGAs/s640/Copse%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-88193256541362582102017-10-09T13:26:00.004-07:002017-10-09T13:26:58.184-07:00Bishop's Lyderard - Cothelstone Road<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4tFyDVZTw04/WdvZeFVEbDI/AAAAAAABeUg/NEqSkdnr1pYmaIxAJrBI5B-3JH0J7MWkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="869" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4tFyDVZTw04/WdvZeFVEbDI/AAAAAAABeUg/NEqSkdnr1pYmaIxAJrBI5B-3JH0J7MWkQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="449" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bishop's Lydeard AFC</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cothelstone Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bishop's Lydeard</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taunton</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somerset</div><div style="text-align: center;">TA4 3BA</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blafc.org.uk/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/_blafc_" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/_blafc_" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 733<br />Sunday 8th October 2017<br />Bishops Lydeard 2-3 Cheddar<br />Western League D1</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">BISHOPS LYDEARD AFC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was founded in 1912 and have spent the vast majority of their history in local football. In 2003, they joined the Somerset County League, progressing up its league system and becoming Premier Division champions in 2016. Last season was their first season in the Western League and they&nbsp;finished a very credible 6th in Division 1. This season saw another first as Bishops Lydeard made their bow in the FA Vase although it was not a happy debut with them crashing out with a 9-1 defeat at AFC St Austell. There have been a number of local cup&nbsp;wins including the Taunton &amp; District League Cup on five occasions, the Seward Memorial Cup twice and the Rowbarton Charity Cup.<br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">It was another long journey on the minibus to get to our next game, although we were at least heading back towards Weston Super Mare. We passed some nice sights on the way, including Glastonbury Tor. The roads were pretty slow though and we didn't get there until 1.50. I used the time to look through the Non-League Paper and plan my week's groundhopping, which will depend on other hoppers but will likely include games on Tuesday and Friday nights. Even though I'm an old git myself, at 38, it was nice to note that I was comfortably the youngest on the bus, with the possible exception of Robyn.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmKzipDjZLU/WdvZg_6IAoI/AAAAAAABeUo/4mymmdMqD44-XVZWDlrnNBXbRHVs2m-eQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmKzipDjZLU/WdvZg_6IAoI/AAAAAAABeUo/4mymmdMqD44-XVZWDlrnNBXbRHVs2m-eQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We arrived at the ground and went straight in. First stop was the merchandise stall, easily the best club effort on the hop, where I bought a pen for £1.50. Also exceptional was the catering, An excellent Thai Green Curry for a fiver. I sat down and enjoyed it, the hot sunshine and view of the hills behind giving a nice backdrop to proceedings. They had real ales, but no real cider, only Thatchers in cans, so I decided to give it a miss until I got home later. It seemed pretty busy, probably due to the fact that the ground was closed off at the far end.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Cheddar by far the brightest, kicking up the slight slope. They took the lead when Chris Coombs scored with a diagonal shot from just inside the area. The hosts had to weather the storm a bit and Cheddar missed several chances including an open goal with the goalkeeper out of position. Bishops Lydeard equalised on 39 minutes, the ball hitting the bar and bouncing just behind the line with the goal credited to Jake Quick. Just before halftime, the hosts took the lead, this time a corner was scrambled home by Ben Hedbitch. Around 5 minutes before halftime, Bishops Lydeard were given the chance to put some daylight between themselves and Cheddar but the penalty was tipped onto the post by visiting keeper Liam Kingston. It proved to be a real turning point, as the visitors seized back control. They'd already had a header ruled out for offside before the equaliser on 67 minutes. It had a real touch of quality about it as Adam Jones fizzed a volley into the roof of the net. The winner came on 74 minutes when a ball was played forward. The home defence failed to intercept and Ricky Bennett nipped in with a low shot from just inside the area. Bishops Lydeard keeper Sam Carreau was clear man of the match, making several good saves to keep his team in the game, with Cheddar deserving of a bigger margin of victory.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">It had been a good end to a great weekend, but now it was home time. It was a fairly quick minibus ride back to Weston Super Mare train station with us getting there just after 5. After saying goodbye to my fellow hoppers, it as a ten-minute walk to my car. I listened to the England game on the way home, also hoping that Scotland could do the business and get through. England laboured to a 1-0 victory, but to expect any more from a distinctly footballing nation is pure fantasy. Sadly, Scotland weren't able to do the business despite a spirited 2-2 draw in Slovenia and went out on goal difference. I got in at 7.45, having a couple of ciders that I'd bought on Friday as well as catching up online, listing a couple of things on eBay and starting to clear the backlog on my blogs. With me being up for work at 4am the following morning, I was in bed at 9.30, watching TV before going to sleep.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCjq_h_Gfvg/WdvZiHLQe9I/AAAAAAABeUw/pTh_mBCn0akpanotDsgiqg39QwC8p7brQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCjq_h_Gfvg/WdvZiHLQe9I/AAAAAAABeUw/pTh_mBCn0akpanotDsgiqg39QwC8p7brQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />As with most grounds that have recently come up to step 6. the main seating comes in the form of a metal stand. It is at least a bit different to the usual ones, being narrow and high with a capacity of 100. It's supplemented by an area of covered standing for around 50. The rest of the ground is open and is restricted to three sides, with the far end being closed off. It's set in wonderful scenery with rolling hills all around. The wooden fence also adds to the nice feeling around the ground. The bar is quite basic and although I didn't check out their usual food offering, they were doing a fantastic curry when I visited. There was also a well-stocked merchandise stall, with a wide range of souvenirs for the level.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tlT3HM7cS4/WdvZTmwc0HI/AAAAAAABeT8/e5xMwn4TRIAPrRBJfMXey_pYcS_ny-6EQCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tlT3HM7cS4/WdvZTmwc0HI/AAAAAAABeT8/e5xMwn4TRIAPrRBJfMXey_pYcS_ny-6EQCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MxP5nJVw6Ns/WdvZW9cnswI/AAAAAAABeUI/gDPK-uXeLGU8IAWbJx9O7TdkT80dOlX8gCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MxP5nJVw6Ns/WdvZW9cnswI/AAAAAAABeUI/gDPK-uXeLGU8IAWbJx9O7TdkT80dOlX8gCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rKi51Ho2KY/WdvZXyxrqjI/AAAAAAABeUM/WWJSnGdWBIcz2k7WdlN-P25_af6BlozeQCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rKi51Ho2KY/WdvZXyxrqjI/AAAAAAABeUM/WWJSnGdWBIcz2k7WdlN-P25_af6BlozeQCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a68muRqhcgA/WdvZZpWVLhI/AAAAAAABeUQ/o6bE88b-xa4JwpPb4d7m_po_jSpa1tCqgCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a68muRqhcgA/WdvZZpWVLhI/AAAAAAABeUQ/o6bE88b-xa4JwpPb4d7m_po_jSpa1tCqgCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B4.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrHWConmaoU/WdvZbnm5PnI/AAAAAAABeUU/L4LzOPx8QBEuOyMh7nrE5N_CDq0EyPt6wCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrHWConmaoU/WdvZbnm5PnI/AAAAAAABeUU/L4LzOPx8QBEuOyMh7nrE5N_CDq0EyPt6wCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHBWbLU38Is/WdvZcl7QdAI/AAAAAAABeUY/yKKZsLZTw6QVupTmqI44zu7N25OchfOTwCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHBWbLU38Is/WdvZcl7QdAI/AAAAAAABeUY/yKKZsLZTw6QVupTmqI44zu7N25OchfOTwCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDsd0S2HBa8/WdvZduSPVYI/AAAAAAABeUc/e9uApwUPIOYWXYuiX2h-7m-xIMOivETBACLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDsd0S2HBa8/WdvZduSPVYI/AAAAAAABeUc/e9uApwUPIOYWXYuiX2h-7m-xIMOivETBACLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmE9DWtoEgs/WdvZfU_JmKI/AAAAAAABeUk/TMwnverD0w80fPQ87quaj6i-9hEOVg9LQCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmE9DWtoEgs/WdvZfU_JmKI/AAAAAAABeUk/TMwnverD0w80fPQ87quaj6i-9hEOVg9LQCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xouz14707k/WdvZhc5O13I/AAAAAAABeUs/vPoh2zpagnYqtMmOWmGtxw5XOicgj1ZYgCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xouz14707k/WdvZhc5O13I/AAAAAAABeUs/vPoh2zpagnYqtMmOWmGtxw5XOicgj1ZYgCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbjhlf8QeDY/WdvZUk4ZG6I/AAAAAAABeUE/t4G8_sGnlZQMtU2oOYHEE8O1RutcIHRuACLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbjhlf8QeDY/WdvZUk4ZG6I/AAAAAAABeUE/t4G8_sGnlZQMtU2oOYHEE8O1RutcIHRuACLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwm_uV50puI/WdvZUYbLOUI/AAAAAAABeUA/QBAOFHXVcjgMPIpUoBEuKaoIJTDOyBy4gCLcBGAs/s1600/BL%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwm_uV50puI/WdvZUYbLOUI/AAAAAAABeUA/QBAOFHXVcjgMPIpUoBEuKaoIJTDOyBy4gCLcBGAs/s640/BL%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-57426530874358574142017-10-09T12:23:00.000-07:002017-10-09T12:23:09.606-07:00Shepton Mallet - Playing Fields<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XR5MM5Uunlo/WdvIe8gwLWI/AAAAAAABeSw/eKFbDs__SQgp6vk0rZiJyEH_cDR2twHfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="891" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XR5MM5Uunlo/WdvIe8gwLWI/AAAAAAABeSw/eKFbDs__SQgp6vk0rZiJyEH_cDR2twHfQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shepton Mallet FC</div><div style="text-align: center;">Playing Fields</div><div style="text-align: center;">Old Wells Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shepton Mallet</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somerset</div><div style="text-align: center;">BA4 5XN</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">01749 344609</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/sheptonmallet" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Mallet_AFC" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Mallet_AFC" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 732<br />Sunday 8th October 2017<br />Shepton Mallet 4-1 Brislington<br />Western League Premier<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">SHEPTON MALLET FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was established in 1986 following the demise of the former Shepton Mallet Town club. They took the reserves place in the second tier of the Somerset Senior League, earning promotion to its Premier Division. They'd stay there until 2001 when they were champions and took promotion to the Western League. They'd start out in Division 1 and despite a long spell of bottom-half finishes between 2003 and 2012, they won promotion to the Premier Division in 2014 after finishing as runners-up to Bradford Town. They've remained there ever since, with their best ever season coming in 2015 when they finished in 9th place.<br /><br />The FA Cup has provided few highlights, with just three wins in their 14 seasons of entering the competition. Shepton Mallet did make good progress in the FA Vase during the 2014/15 season. They beat Wadebridge Town, Brislington and Welton Rovers prior to a narrow&nbsp;defeat 3-2 at Melksham Town in the 3rd round. Local cup wins include the Somerset Senior Cup which they won in 1998. Famous people to come from Shepton Mallet include John Lewis who founded the department store of the same name.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOG2B36fLOM/WdvIi40twqI/AAAAAAABeS4/sJzdcetqOLUeGbEFjh9dmuck4gCwKn60gCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOG2B36fLOM/WdvIi40twqI/AAAAAAABeS4/sJzdcetqOLUeGbEFjh9dmuck4gCwKn60gCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #444444;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After a fairly decent night's sleep, I woke around 7 am. Unlike yesterday, when it was a bit rushed, I was well organised. I had a shower and a fresh change of clothes before putting my stuff in the car. I then went out in search of breakfast, choosing to 'tick' the town's other Wetherspoons, the Dragon Inn. There, I had a traditional breakfast, with black pudding and a pint of orange juice. It all went down nicely as I started reading the Non-League Paper. Soon it was time to meet at our base to get the minibus for the final day of the Western Hop. After leaving at 9, it was a fairly long trek over to Shepton Mallet, with us getting there around half an hour before kick off. After going in and getting some pictures, I went in the bar. With nothing special on the cider front, I opted for a Bovril before settling down near the halfway line.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGCzIL9u4yM/WdvIieLh9XI/AAAAAAABeS0/TUdUgejkoLM0MjQNJg5GGVZXYiHsV0ULACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGCzIL9u4yM/WdvIieLh9XI/AAAAAAABeS0/TUdUgejkoLM0MjQNJg5GGVZXYiHsV0ULACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">There was a noticeable slope on the pitch and Brislington chose to kick down it first half. They dominated early proceedings, without really troubling the home keeper. It was the hosts that went ahead on 20 minutes though, with their first real chance of the game. A cross was put in from the left and the ball was headed home from 6 yards by James Billing. Shepton had a good spell from there and after coming close a couple of times, they doubled the lead 5 minutes later. It was another cross, this time a low one. A Brislington defender failed to clear and Tyson Pollard poked home from 6 yards. The hosts continued to have the better of the game up until the break without really threatening. Pretty soon after halftime, it was 3-0, another close-range header from Billing pretty much sealing the game for the hosts. This seemed to take the pace off of the game, with chances coming along a lot less frequently. Brislington grabbed a goal back with just over five minutes remaining, Danny Hunt poking home after some hesitation in the home defence. As the visitors tried to reduce the arrears further, Shepton Mallet sealed the game on the break, grabbing a 4th when James Billing got away and finished confidently into the top corner to complete his hat-trick.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKPPw1xt12g/WdvIjBsKQcI/AAAAAAABeS8/hwL8ORi-Q0gjY4q80ya2eUy1kKMSPTnjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKPPw1xt12g/WdvIjBsKQcI/AAAAAAABeS8/hwL8ORi-Q0gjY4q80ya2eUy1kKMSPTnjQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />THE PLAYING FIELDS is a decent ground for step 5, with cover on 3 sides. The oldest stand holds around 150 and sits on the halfway line. The other two stands are a lot newer and are dedicated to former club men. The Tony Wolff Memorial Pavillion sits opposite the main stand and has enough room for around 200 standing. There's also a new stand behind the goal, with seating for 50. This is dedicated to former player Dean Gregory who sadly died of cancer. The rest of the ground is open. The tea bar and clubhouse offer the standard range of food and drink.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWhRpd052Og/WdvIlQJqZ-I/AAAAAAABeTA/JRRE__AyZcs6DhGIDeGTGp89TUo24LgogCLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWhRpd052Og/WdvIlQJqZ-I/AAAAAAABeTA/JRRE__AyZcs6DhGIDeGTGp89TUo24LgogCLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hu8TvixfAI/WdvIqct8MFI/AAAAAAABeTQ/8hYBdkhVMOAkGkcVI_G0eTp9g7iXA7Y2ACLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hu8TvixfAI/WdvIqct8MFI/AAAAAAABeTQ/8hYBdkhVMOAkGkcVI_G0eTp9g7iXA7Y2ACLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHfyeFc96KY/WdvIqvNlROI/AAAAAAABeTU/KaRkUK7sG8s-QGaH53u6iYNi9QJXofndwCLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHfyeFc96KY/WdvIqvNlROI/AAAAAAABeTU/KaRkUK7sG8s-QGaH53u6iYNi9QJXofndwCLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqRbXRHv_TA/WdvIs8TJvlI/AAAAAAABeTY/TV6-YZNTX6Yf6fqY49ZYKUSFN92iALS6ACLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqRbXRHv_TA/WdvIs8TJvlI/AAAAAAABeTY/TV6-YZNTX6Yf6fqY49ZYKUSFN92iALS6ACLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RNRurfl_s0/WdvIu6un8tI/AAAAAAABeTc/CJ4eXFbR59cxim8PE-ORPlowDcHx5KfKQCLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RNRurfl_s0/WdvIu6un8tI/AAAAAAABeTc/CJ4eXFbR59cxim8PE-ORPlowDcHx5KfKQCLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRjB7mXD_dI/WdvIvGeO6LI/AAAAAAABeTg/AVPgAbnQNi8GIUv-rMQ-l8XcCfCZUXefACLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRjB7mXD_dI/WdvIvGeO6LI/AAAAAAABeTg/AVPgAbnQNi8GIUv-rMQ-l8XcCfCZUXefACLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqRXTw4U55M/WdvIwpQPonI/AAAAAAABeTk/BG01fIrhQ1ozbtgbN1gXtzZCD6mxs8dYQCLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqRXTw4U55M/WdvIwpQPonI/AAAAAAABeTk/BG01fIrhQ1ozbtgbN1gXtzZCD6mxs8dYQCLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXtxoDZ2LZg/WdvIyssJYWI/AAAAAAABeTs/0ulb2B2bClYqLIrIpqAO4BWyf1utLYZNgCLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXtxoDZ2LZg/WdvIyssJYWI/AAAAAAABeTs/0ulb2B2bClYqLIrIpqAO4BWyf1utLYZNgCLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18bW0PhAnRo/WdvIyp3PruI/AAAAAAABeTo/Y-bzzu-j_KEEDSthMQC95G1p8I75h_KRACLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18bW0PhAnRo/WdvIyp3PruI/AAAAAAABeTo/Y-bzzu-j_KEEDSthMQC95G1p8I75h_KRACLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic2JlCZoevk/WdvInV7svlI/AAAAAAABeTI/DKVDEVMXKN8uBFQf9ejSHQjDZgTUlqizQCLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic2JlCZoevk/WdvInV7svlI/AAAAAAABeTI/DKVDEVMXKN8uBFQf9ejSHQjDZgTUlqizQCLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZvrhECXDnI/WdvInKsGd8I/AAAAAAABeTE/rsWoh4Woy4UYKkWMRYUdLCBoywM5aCUeACLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZvrhECXDnI/WdvInKsGd8I/AAAAAAABeTE/rsWoh4Woy4UYKkWMRYUdLCBoywM5aCUeACLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsg3jodAstc/WdvIqLhDulI/AAAAAAABeTM/R52jdkv1Jr8djLOyzdHUzzQ8oStVHwoTACLcBGAs/s1600/SM%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsg3jodAstc/WdvIqLhDulI/AAAAAAABeTM/R52jdkv1Jr8djLOyzdHUzzQ8oStVHwoTACLcBGAs/s640/SM%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-6605731380454016842017-10-09T11:20:00.001-07:002017-10-09T11:20:04.069-07:00Hengrove Athletic - Norton Lane<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bdXBgMIwpKU/Wdu9WBOEKeI/AAAAAAABeR4/QTokKTngeOAwgHm3dviezUlYJ_5rp92mwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="862" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bdXBgMIwpKU/Wdu9WBOEKeI/AAAAAAABeR4/QTokKTngeOAwgHm3dviezUlYJ_5rp92mwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hengrove Athletic FC</div><div style="text-align: center;">Norton Lane</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whitchurch</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bristol</div><div style="text-align: center;">BS14 0BT</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">07434 173074</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hengroveathletic.com/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/hengroveafc" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Number: 731<br />Saturday 7th October 2017<br />Hengrove Athletic 3-3 Hallen<br />Western League Premier<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">HENGROVE ATHLETIC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1947 and remained in local football until 2006 when they joined the Western League following a Somerset Senior League win.They've remained there ever since, staying in Division 1 apart from 2013-14 when they finished bottom of the Premier Division after they were runners-up to Sherborne Town the previous season. Last season they were runners-up again, this time to Wellington. This season they have started well, sitting in mid-table and will record the best finish in the club's history should they avoid bottom spot.<br /><br />Hengrove Athletic have competed in the FA Cup in all but one season since 2011. Success has been very limited, with just a couple of victories in all this time. They've fared a little better in the FA Vase, reaching the 3rd Round in 2015/16. After beating Radstock Town, Gillingham Town &amp; Radstock Town, their run came to an abrupt end with a 7-1 defeat at Bristol Manor Farm. LOcal cup wins include the Somerset Senior Cup (twice) and the Les Phillips Cup (Western League Cup) in 2016.<br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">From Odd Down, it was a half hour drive to Hengrove, with us getting there around 7. First stop was the bar, where a pint of Ashton Press cider was sampled. It was a new one for me and was nice and refreshing if a little sweet. In then went out and got a decent bacon cheeseburger for £3. Unlike the previous two games, they seemed a bit more organised and service was swift</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I stood in the middle stand on the near side to watch the game. Hallen started well and were ahead after a couple of minutes. A great corner was put in and Scott Thomas headed home at the back post. Hallen were the better side and they made it 2-0 on 22 minutes with a well-worked goal, eventually scored by Luke Mills. That said, Hengrove were their own worst enemies, giving the ball away more than once in the leadup to the goal. The visitors continued to be the better side but Hengrove still weren't out of it. They reduced the arrears five minutes into the second half with a cracking free kick by Craig White that found the very top left-hand corner. A few minutes later, it was all square, another rocket into the top corner by Rhys Hickery from the edge of the area. More questionable defending from the hosts saw Hallen retake the lead on 71 minutes as the ball broke to Scott Cousins and he fired home a low shot from the edge of the area. Just as it looked as if Hallen had it in the bag, Hengrove were awarded a penalty in the last minute for handball. Jack Fillingham stepped up and converted to make it all square. It had been the game of the day, even so, my body was feeling a tad tired and I was glad to be heading back to my bed. I got in around 11, going to sleep pretty soon after.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-igWNNhaB_8c/Wdu9WK1ibVI/AAAAAAABeR0/F0KKRklMvYoKrNMuFcIhYFioEKsh6EkTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-igWNNhaB_8c/Wdu9WK1ibVI/AAAAAAABeR0/F0KKRklMvYoKrNMuFcIhYFioEKsh6EkTgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE GROUND</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />NORTON LANE is fairly typical of modern grounds. There are two seated stands, both metal ones, holding around 100 each. There's also a covered terrace in between, with a capacity of around 150. The rest of the ground is open and is well kept. The food and drink facilities are pretty good, the bar had a decent range. There was also a BBQ which was doing a roaring trade and coped with the queues well. There was a small range of merchandise at the ground as well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8X4yKT4Njls/Wdu9ZZhKGiI/AAAAAAABeR8/v_OtQNzueT0QupsRsigp6tnOHJN-UlmpQCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8X4yKT4Njls/Wdu9ZZhKGiI/AAAAAAABeR8/v_OtQNzueT0QupsRsigp6tnOHJN-UlmpQCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qauCpIfB4D8/Wdu9aDqr_xI/AAAAAAABeSE/XipfP8d8xvMUGgCXQ2YiqALqTHgudCH8gCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qauCpIfB4D8/Wdu9aDqr_xI/AAAAAAABeSE/XipfP8d8xvMUGgCXQ2YiqALqTHgudCH8gCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M778AP_mqT4/Wdu9bMqWXTI/AAAAAAABeSI/TNl0ecj684Emcw-uGtb0cEAy08u8enZ3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M778AP_mqT4/Wdu9bMqWXTI/AAAAAAABeSI/TNl0ecj684Emcw-uGtb0cEAy08u8enZ3wCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B3.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04vp_OHYHhQ/Wdu9dtYaO3I/AAAAAAABeSM/2PTHo5UMOmUqAXf5K3W4l7ADML01Zgv3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04vp_OHYHhQ/Wdu9dtYaO3I/AAAAAAABeSM/2PTHo5UMOmUqAXf5K3W4l7ADML01Zgv3wCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B4.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_pZLhsXOW4/Wdu9dmT6VYI/AAAAAAABeSQ/zYFbbVr9TucFq5bQulEpu4snnDjr1Q1hQCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_pZLhsXOW4/Wdu9dmT6VYI/AAAAAAABeSQ/zYFbbVr9TucFq5bQulEpu4snnDjr1Q1hQCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DajxF4YUeyM/Wdu9eTb3TYI/AAAAAAABeSU/tVly81X-EBo-HvSobtANBcVicC1RTxgDACLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DajxF4YUeyM/Wdu9eTb3TYI/AAAAAAABeSU/tVly81X-EBo-HvSobtANBcVicC1RTxgDACLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H88QhzEjm3g/Wdu9hHqQj3I/AAAAAAABeSc/ZNpxqa0jJpICrnC6_98MtfzNk2w_FKV5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H88QhzEjm3g/Wdu9hHqQj3I/AAAAAAABeSc/ZNpxqa0jJpICrnC6_98MtfzNk2w_FKV5wCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0zH5sDjnT8/Wdu9g1pWO7I/AAAAAAABeSY/UXLn-ArecQAR6dwHayyNkV8YgH78K9sgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R0zH5sDjnT8/Wdu9g1pWO7I/AAAAAAABeSY/UXLn-ArecQAR6dwHayyNkV8YgH78K9sgQCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sc8wWJVVjZQ/Wdu9hGNSkrI/AAAAAAABeSg/-gz1qmDUG3M3qCHHRTKrYN5DnRkvEbeEgCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sc8wWJVVjZQ/Wdu9hGNSkrI/AAAAAAABeSg/-gz1qmDUG3M3qCHHRTKrYN5DnRkvEbeEgCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kC16XnfhuZA/Wdu9ZmvC76I/AAAAAAABeSA/EZ4GW-W1D0gOeAdlpt7Rd8iws_9-K--7wCLcBGAs/s1600/Hengrove%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kC16XnfhuZA/Wdu9ZmvC76I/AAAAAAABeSA/EZ4GW-W1D0gOeAdlpt7Rd8iws_9-K--7wCLcBGAs/s640/Hengrove%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-48003187613427143762017-10-09T10:50:00.004-07:002017-10-09T10:50:33.274-07:00Odd Down - Lew Hill Memorial Ground<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KawnnXRoLko/Wdu2D2S714I/AAAAAAABeQw/wSabLVJchLEdh2vdcvQfZaUKqbtSfVDpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="872" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KawnnXRoLko/Wdu2D2S714I/AAAAAAABeQw/wSabLVJchLEdh2vdcvQfZaUKqbtSfVDpgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Odd Down (Bath) FC</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lew Hill Memorial Ground</div><div style="text-align: center;">Combe Hay Lane</div><div style="text-align: center;">Odd Down</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bath</div><div style="text-align: center;">BA2 8PA</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">01225 832491</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://toolstationleague.com/club.php?selection=Odd%20Down%20(Bath)" target="_blank">Western League Club Page</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/odddownfc" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Number: 730<br />Saturday 7th October 2017<br />Odd Down 2-2 Bitton<br />Western Premier<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">ODD DOWN FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The club was formed in 1901 and spent their formative years playing in local leagues such as the Bath &amp; District, Mid Somerset and Somerset Premier. They joined the Western League in 1977 and have remained members ever since. Starting in Division 1, they had to wait until 1993 for promotion, when they finished top. A 15 season spell followed in the Premier Division, the highlight being two 9th placed finishes in 2003 and 2004. Odd Down would endure a disappointing couple of seasons between 2007-2009, finishing bottom of the Western Premier and then second-bottom of Division 1 in consecutive seasons. They soon recovered, however, and in 2010 they finished as runners-up to Wells City, regaining their Premier Division status. They've been there ever since and enjoyed their&nbsp;best ever season in 2016 when they were Western League Champions, though chose not to take the promotion to the Southern League.<br /><br />In the FA Cup, Odd Down's best ever progress came during the 1993-94 season when they reached the 2nd Qualifying Round. That season they beat Ilfracombe Town (after 2 replays) and Forest Green Rovers (after a replay) only to lose 2-0 at home to Moreton Town. In the FA Vase, the club had a great run in 1981-82, beating Avon Bradford, Backwell United, Chipping Norton Town and Paulton Rovers before a 3-1 defeat at Forest Green Rovers in the 4th Round. Locally Odd Down have won the Somerset Premier Cup in 1991-92 as well as being Somerset Premier Cup finalists twice.<br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After the borefest at Radstock, it was a 15-minute&nbsp;journey to Odd Down. It seemed really busy when we got there although most were in the bar rather than the ground. I went in myself, but with nothing special on the cider front, I gave it a miss. Instead, I had a sausage roll and some fruit cake. I went into the ground to get some pictures, whilst keeping an eye on the Wycombe game. News from Cambridge was mixed - Nathan Tyson had been stretched off with a bad injury, but we were leading 2-0. I was happy to see them win 3-1 in the end.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_gIm9NKQ4U/Wdu2HhyWurI/AAAAAAABeQ4/RDxXQa2duSUo20owb3rIwOFV9us3xEuBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_gIm9NKQ4U/Wdu2HhyWurI/AAAAAAABeQ4/RDxXQa2duSUo20owb3rIwOFV9us3xEuBgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Back at my own game, it started as the previous one had ended. Chances were rare, at least clear cut ones. Odd Down took the lead on the half-hour with Kane Simon bundling home from close range after his initial shot was saved. The game was getting pretty physical, with some heavy tackles going in by either side with Odd Down having their number 6 sent off for a high tackle. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the hosts continued to press and could have extended their lead before half time. Bitton started the second half well but they had their number 2 booked for diving in the penalty area and as it was his second offence, he was sent off, making it ten a side. Both sides continued to have chances and it was Bitton who took theirs, equalising with a low shot from just inside the area by Tom Knighton on 68 minutes. The visitors took the lead on 76 minutes. Just as it appeared that the ball wouldn't go in following a pinball session in the area, the ball broke to a McLellan who blasted it home from the edge of the area. Late on the hosts were awarded a late penalty for a foul in the area. Ben White stepped up and converted the spot-kick. It was probably a fair result and although it had taken a while to get going, it was a good game, especially in the second half.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdpcePV7LPo/Wdu2HNu0c1I/AAAAAAABeQ0/slVbleMurRkwpDdvpJ7CoRuyWfYNM3JEgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdpcePV7LPo/Wdu2HNu0c1I/AAAAAAABeQ0/slVbleMurRkwpDdvpJ7CoRuyWfYNM3JEgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />THE LEW HILL RECREATION GROUND is a classic non-league ground. There's a stand along the side that holds around 200 under cover.&nbsp;There's also some covered standing behind the goal with around a 300 capacity. The rest of the ground is open. Food and drink is served in the bar outside the ground, and this offers the usual range.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqr1cq_nHkA/Wdu2H_YaLhI/AAAAAAABeQ8/7CM0LVNswtcKgyjCsRgyDSaOHSXN_ZFjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqr1cq_nHkA/Wdu2H_YaLhI/AAAAAAABeQ8/7CM0LVNswtcKgyjCsRgyDSaOHSXN_ZFjQCLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0GTYU78IpI/Wdu2Lchs2KI/AAAAAAABeRI/gO1A52UfKzkJCO64bUlZ1zg91fbK3DdcACLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0GTYU78IpI/Wdu2Lchs2KI/AAAAAAABeRI/gO1A52UfKzkJCO64bUlZ1zg91fbK3DdcACLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prvQ3WwICwY/Wdu2LPfwt1I/AAAAAAABeRE/peuMDFF7n-EAQZhn6g7FXrIZpE8OutANgCLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prvQ3WwICwY/Wdu2LPfwt1I/AAAAAAABeRE/peuMDFF7n-EAQZhn6g7FXrIZpE8OutANgCLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-hnEAHGfh0/Wdu2LzIYtII/AAAAAAABeRM/xQinGDEQsWc3m2_47BJzwI1MS93F1sg_wCLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1358" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-hnEAHGfh0/Wdu2LzIYtII/AAAAAAABeRM/xQinGDEQsWc3m2_47BJzwI1MS93F1sg_wCLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B4.jpg" width="543" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2KQd937aLg/Wdu2PZSsDlI/AAAAAAABeRQ/LrD8pwgbRp0XBmptB4OmQlK-G3skFmKQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2KQd937aLg/Wdu2PZSsDlI/AAAAAAABeRQ/LrD8pwgbRp0XBmptB4OmQlK-G3skFmKQwCLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ39wBqdLUw/Wdu2Pg3gaTI/AAAAAAABeRU/vFCaYiSitB8okgeHAn4KyxN1F4q8ChGPACLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQ39wBqdLUw/Wdu2Pg3gaTI/AAAAAAABeRU/vFCaYiSitB8okgeHAn4KyxN1F4q8ChGPACLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnve9Vrpy54/Wdu2P4L06kI/AAAAAAABeRY/mMSy-1Nl2E0l2QCvHHVXLc5B1PxM-07OwCLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnve9Vrpy54/Wdu2P4L06kI/AAAAAAABeRY/mMSy-1Nl2E0l2QCvHHVXLc5B1PxM-07OwCLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lumK53Du22w/Wdu2STF5BTI/AAAAAAABeRc/YIrLkDJkvwgLH84wWOCNaP6EVrGmMXsxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lumK53Du22w/Wdu2STF5BTI/AAAAAAABeRc/YIrLkDJkvwgLH84wWOCNaP6EVrGmMXsxQCLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJpCLeQVNA0/Wdu2SmIvgAI/AAAAAAABeRg/JoCUhtwENwAenHZolB1bxhs0xetFbtDawCLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJpCLeQVNA0/Wdu2SmIvgAI/AAAAAAABeRg/JoCUhtwENwAenHZolB1bxhs0xetFbtDawCLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7zMXt2nThs/Wdu2K6E73tI/AAAAAAABeRA/yrrFf-zi0NsS9kcn5S6OfP-rA9elfwxzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Odd%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7zMXt2nThs/Wdu2K6E73tI/AAAAAAABeRA/yrrFf-zi0NsS9kcn5S6OfP-rA9elfwxzwCLcBGAs/s640/Odd%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a> RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-65743838131337472352017-10-09T10:06:00.000-07:002017-10-09T10:06:36.694-07:00Radstock Town - Southfields Recreation Ground<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpoEmMCOiAk/Wduo0Quxl2I/AAAAAAABeOg/l_5e1RTjf4oJc_oXlK-asoe7M1eNl2pYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="858" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpoEmMCOiAk/Wduo0Quxl2I/AAAAAAABeOg/l_5e1RTjf4oJc_oXlK-asoe7M1eNl2pYwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Radstock Town FC</div><div style="text-align: center;">Southfields Recreation Ground</div><div style="text-align: center;">Radstock</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somerset</div><div style="text-align: center;">BA3 3NZ</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">01761 435004</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/radstocktownafc" target="_blank">Official&nbsp;Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Radstock_TownFC" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Radstock_TownFC" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 729<br />Saturday 7th October 2017<br />Radstock Town 1-0 Oldland Abbotonians<br />Western League D1<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">RADSTOCK TOWN - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was&nbsp;believed to be formed in 1895, although there is history of a football club in Radstock running back to the 1860s. They joined the Western League in 1903 and for the most part, have remained there ever since. Their best ever finish of 12th in the Western Premier came in 2006 and they've also been Division 1 runners-up twice, as well as the former Division 2 on two occasions. When taking a break from the Western League, they've generally competed in the Somerset Senior League. Despite being relegated to its second tier in 1995, they bounced back after a couple of seasons and have been back in the Western League since 2003. Radstock Town enjoyed a purple patch around this time and a nine-year spell in the Premier Division followed. That ended with a second-bottom finish and relegation to Division 1 in 2014, where they remain to this day.<br /><br />The club has not competed in the FA Cup for a few years and although they have reached the 3rd Qualifying Round on a number of occasions, they have not done so since 1954 when they lost 4-0 at Wells City. In the FA Vase, the best progress has been the 2nd Round, last achieved in 1988 when they managed a 3-3 home draw with Chippenham Town, only to lose the replay 2-0. Locally, they've won the Somerset Senior Cup 13 times with the last win coming in 1985.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbVYyNSFwSc/Wduo4Am-o4I/AAAAAAABeOo/Uche79S7Sw83DYGgdBTBi56tk56vUixhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbVYyNSFwSc/Wduo4Am-o4I/AAAAAAABeOo/Uche79S7Sw83DYGgdBTBi56tk56vUixhgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">From the game at Welton Rovers, we had a mile drive to the next game at Radstock. It seemed to take longer than it should, but even so, it wasn't a bad journey. I got in and took some pictures of the ground before going to the bar for a pint of Blackthorn. I was hoping that Oldland Abbotonians would put on another good game when they hosted a hop game last year, it was a 7 goal thriller. After that, I went in search of food, but service was very slow as they were used to dealing with smaller crowds.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5duc0GKDZI4/Wduo2bwB0VI/AAAAAAABeOk/OFbfk4sLfxsAIdsoYLEYZpkgw5lhsfQiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5duc0GKDZI4/Wduo2bwB0VI/AAAAAAABeOk/OFbfk4sLfxsAIdsoYLEYZpkgw5lhsfQiQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="360" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The game kicked off a few minutes early which would have had infamous hopper 'Barry The Twat' fuming. He is most well known for his rant at a referee after a game on a Hellenic hop kicked off a couple of minutes early and his lengthy rant included attempts to get the referee to start the game again. Oldland started the brightest, having a few chances early on. It was the hosts that took the lead on 27 minutes and I could just about see the deflected own goal go in. Finally, I had my sausage and chips and went round the other side of the pitch where it was quieter. It was a dreadful game with barely any chances and it was a real struggle to stay awake. Chances were few and far between and I was glad when the final whistle went.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oLLwMsj0tk/WdupVWuZbqI/AAAAAAABePo/9lX5AGDd4vYohld3uxrfqyLjhnaiZ4B1ACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oLLwMsj0tk/WdupVWuZbqI/AAAAAAABePo/9lX5AGDd4vYohld3uxrfqyLjhnaiZ4B1ACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: red;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />SOUTHFIELDS RECREATION GROUND was one of the more pleasing on the eye on this years hop, with plenty of colour. All the facilities were on one side. There was a stand with a capacity of 150 with bench seating, plus a covered standing area for around 50. The rest of the ground was open to the elements but had pleasant surroundings. The food was the usual offerings, although it did take ages as there was just the one small hatch. 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src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWvYAaJR0Xo/WdupCPxcZjI/AAAAAAABePE/jg4Li8-SgWcK91-G8aj0FyzSrSNAcYylgCLcBGAs/s640/Rads%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-19202871299295176822017-10-09T09:17:00.001-07:002017-10-09T09:17:36.226-07:00Welton Rovers - West Clewes<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-1ASRnCR5U/WdufYsDhakI/AAAAAAABeNA/ctTRYY25iiw30uPe_gMIEwNsp82HemTJACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="883" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-1ASRnCR5U/WdufYsDhakI/AAAAAAABeNA/ctTRYY25iiw30uPe_gMIEwNsp82HemTJACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="443" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Welton Rovers</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">West Clewes</div><div style="text-align: center;">North Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Midsomer Norton</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bath</div><div style="text-align: center;">BA2 3QD</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">01761 412097</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/weltonroversfc" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/WeltonRoversFC" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/WeltonRoversFC" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 728<br />Saturday 7th October 2017<br />Welton Rovers 3-1 Keynsham Town<br />Western League D1<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">WELTON ROVERS - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1887. After playing in local leagues, they joined the Western League in 1903. Save for a few breaks for World Wars and a brief return to local football, they've&nbsp;been there ever since. They've spent plenty of time in both tiers and have been champions on five occasions, the last of which came in 1974. In recent times they have mainly played in Division 1 - their last season in the Premier came in 2015/16 when they finished bottom after promotion the previous season.<br /><br />In the FA Cup, Welton Rovers have reached the 1st Round twice - losing to Weymouth in 1964 and Bournemouth in 1966. There's little hope of them repeating the trick in the present day - they've lost their last 8 games in the competition.When they competed in the FA Trophy, they got as far as the 1st Round in 1973, losing out in a replay to Merthyr Tydfil. In the FA Vase they reached the 4th Round in 1992 - beating Almondsbury Picksons, Minehead, Dawlish Town and Malden Vale before losing to Edgware Town. In 1929 Welton Rovers reached the Quarter Final of the FA Amateur Cup, losing 5-1 to Clapton. Local cup wins include various Somerset County Cups and Western League Cups.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWbZR-EbKe0/WdufefkZKOI/AAAAAAABeNU/4kwLAI-Fhqk1LviSvVHl0b-3aRBdkOIKACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWbZR-EbKe0/WdufefkZKOI/AAAAAAABeNU/4kwLAI-Fhqk1LviSvVHl0b-3aRBdkOIKACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B6.jpg" width="360" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The night before, I didn't have the best night's sleep thanks to thin curtains and the idiotic placement of a street light right outside my window. I caught what sleep I could, finally getting up at 7. I had a look through and organised last night's photos before taking a shower, getting dressed and leaving at 8. With the meeting point being nearly a mile away, time was tight for breakfast so I was disappointed to see that the so-called 'convenience store' didn't live up to its name and was closed. I got to the hotel with 10 minutes to spare and sat in reception with the other hoppers. It took a while to get everyone together and it wasn't until just before 9 that we left. Despite the forecast indicating otherwise, there was rain and I was hoping it wouldn't last. The journey over there took around an hour, with us getting to the ground at 10.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1o-2sKGl6I/WdufYq7Bn3I/AAAAAAABeNE/LGjKOuT66g0JaoJNpGaBNfnaD8EBwEFygCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="869" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1o-2sKGl6I/WdufYq7Bn3I/AAAAAAABeNE/LGjKOuT66g0JaoJNpGaBNfnaD8EBwEFygCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="449" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The morning game is normally the one I enjoy most on the hops, with it having a nice fresh feeling. I got some pictures of the outside of the ground before going in. Annoyingly, my main camera ran out of batteries without warning, meaning I'd have to make do with my phone until we got back to the minibus. Luckily, I managed to get some decent shots before going in the bar. It was too early for a drink at this point, but I did manage to pick up a book called 'Tyke Travels' about Yorkshire non-league football for a quid. I was hungry by now, so I got some chips and went and stood with the rest of the 247 crowd in the metal stand. They are unpopular amongst hoppers due to their dull nature, but it was useful on a wet day like this. I had a half-time Thatchers Haze too, which was nice and refreshing.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4AUFKvFkTI/WdufcdE06ZI/AAAAAAABeNQ/CFGZ9dP2odcbLNmEWPb2BzSIjg9aU3ltACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4AUFKvFkTI/WdufcdE06ZI/AAAAAAABeNQ/CFGZ9dP2odcbLNmEWPb2BzSIjg9aU3ltACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">As for the game, Keynsham settled in better and they took the on 4 minutes, a low shot from 20 yards by Nathan Curnock. The hosts soon got their act together and had a really good spell. They levelled on 27 minutes when a curling corner was headed in at the back post by Tom Smith. The hosts continued to pressurise and got their reward a few minutes from the break when Chris Pile's diagonal low shot found the net. The second half started as the first had ended with chances for both sides.it eventually lost a bit of its pace but Keynsham missed the chance to equalise when they hit the bar. As the clock drifted past 90 minutes, it looked as if Welton had the game in the bag. They made sure in injury time with Pile's second to make it 3-1 as he ended a good run with a low shot from just inside the area.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncofPVL5cQM/Wdufbn33-NI/AAAAAAABeNM/VpM4Y2tCpyg5S-yyvrjz_wnODvPERXcTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncofPVL5cQM/Wdufbn33-NI/AAAAAAABeNM/VpM4Y2tCpyg5S-yyvrjz_wnODvPERXcTQCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="360" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />WEST CLEWES is a pretty smart ground, that has seen some modernisation. Sadly, the original stand has been replaced by two Arena units, these hold just over a hundred seating and standing each. The rest of the ground is open standing and this includes a few steps of terracing on the main side. The food and drink offerings are pretty standard, though I enjoyed my freshly cooked chips. There was a range of merchandise on sale at the gate and this included scarves, hats and badges at reasonable prices</span><br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPIwuc3rOyk/Wduff5M7sjI/AAAAAAABeNY/nH7JKQs8HYc0L-5HFJClz-D0pSQiNEHTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPIwuc3rOyk/Wduff5M7sjI/AAAAAAABeNY/nH7JKQs8HYc0L-5HFJClz-D0pSQiNEHTQCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGobRoAZLQs/Wdufns5WObI/AAAAAAABeN0/qFr5EVgEL7k5YDVIBpdwpbuUvhZ24O6CwCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGobRoAZLQs/Wdufns5WObI/AAAAAAABeN0/qFr5EVgEL7k5YDVIBpdwpbuUvhZ24O6CwCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYin7fWiXE4/WdufmRTfquI/AAAAAAABeNw/eeLyQ3N_a4gjFQv4hT9bLXpZlu1uGoWMACLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYin7fWiXE4/WdufmRTfquI/AAAAAAABeNw/eeLyQ3N_a4gjFQv4hT9bLXpZlu1uGoWMACLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7oYIJeDAPw/WdufpabTXNI/AAAAAAABeN4/G1LpRxrmqIEYfZYqwAqECP-7hC6KnaccQCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7oYIJeDAPw/WdufpabTXNI/AAAAAAABeN4/G1LpRxrmqIEYfZYqwAqECP-7hC6KnaccQCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZN4hupEbRA/Wdufpg8MMTI/AAAAAAABeN8/c2hec3UvdXkap-4eaeJ58mYyf9C4_yR8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZN4hupEbRA/Wdufpg8MMTI/AAAAAAABeN8/c2hec3UvdXkap-4eaeJ58mYyf9C4_yR8ACLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B5.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzwwrN9B6s4/WdufrC5U71I/AAAAAAABeOA/69lZdVobJ9QauTI_csgFWfiQF6s4uwxIACLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzwwrN9B6s4/WdufrC5U71I/AAAAAAABeOA/69lZdVobJ9QauTI_csgFWfiQF6s4uwxIACLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2nGsk6v4uc/WdufuHDISCI/AAAAAAABeOM/r7Lh5LGm01cCGTwO4Tt06xAMEXciNYWqwCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2nGsk6v4uc/WdufuHDISCI/AAAAAAABeOM/r7Lh5LGm01cCGTwO4Tt06xAMEXciNYWqwCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzPQt5jcWDo/WdufsMzY4fI/AAAAAAABeOE/x6LOdJjyH3wvCj_ey4oWG42nNiY5G_MKQCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzPQt5jcWDo/WdufsMzY4fI/AAAAAAABeOE/x6LOdJjyH3wvCj_ey4oWG42nNiY5G_MKQCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWCEAsOw7i4/WdufuAlX0LI/AAAAAAABeOI/ig5NyaD7lRcAJoYg3FbAi-QIyCgyWErSgCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWCEAsOw7i4/WdufuAlX0LI/AAAAAAABeOI/ig5NyaD7lRcAJoYg3FbAi-QIyCgyWErSgCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG4TCrPpo6U/WdufgVxdKhI/AAAAAAABeNc/P0p2fhbR9nAH9NCQcKvCo5DZTT4zM6VJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG4TCrPpo6U/WdufgVxdKhI/AAAAAAABeNc/P0p2fhbR9nAH9NCQcKvCo5DZTT4zM6VJQCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-VscsPLJ1k/WdufhRCgmXI/AAAAAAABeNg/T0KQ6of7XOgt-yZuoxjqQZ2IPIYx6W9uACLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-VscsPLJ1k/WdufhRCgmXI/AAAAAAABeNg/T0KQ6of7XOgt-yZuoxjqQZ2IPIYx6W9uACLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uoS85Uvfgw/Wdufj1MangI/AAAAAAABeNk/2stvcAJQBLcJv6gH-yRp2aiKhbMDS-IZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uoS85Uvfgw/Wdufj1MangI/AAAAAAABeNk/2stvcAJQBLcJv6gH-yRp2aiKhbMDS-IZwCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7LDoYxauMk/WdufkpUsW1I/AAAAAAABeNo/4W4uvhzIZKgF4emoBz6WAiKx9mkgcL8dQCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7LDoYxauMk/WdufkpUsW1I/AAAAAAABeNo/4W4uvhzIZKgF4emoBz6WAiKx9mkgcL8dQCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NhURuyOHI8/WdufldYv2mI/AAAAAAABeNs/OkP2ZwsoDNQv7pWEpDaUZ55LAtvyTCUNQCLcBGAs/s1600/Welton%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NhURuyOHI8/WdufldYv2mI/AAAAAAABeNs/OkP2ZwsoDNQv7pWEpDaUZ55LAtvyTCUNQCLcBGAs/s640/Welton%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IKrDOxhGCg/WdufaJFLXWI/AAAAAAABeNI/CGtllVCIEz8QXAt0KyVWpLl_IcdHp_TtgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IKrDOxhGCg/WdufaJFLXWI/AAAAAAABeNI/CGtllVCIEz8QXAt0KyVWpLl_IcdHp_TtgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-75532177114257246712017-10-08T13:21:00.001-07:002017-10-08T13:29:32.531-07:00Ashton & Backwell United - The Lancer Scott Stadium<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nf4YfsOfsRs/WdqKCScbtiI/AAAAAAABeLo/IAnZvSbpxf8fdL5XMNfrc9tuTcrlUc0lwCLcBGAs/s1600/Prog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="872" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nf4YfsOfsRs/WdqKCScbtiI/AAAAAAABeLo/IAnZvSbpxf8fdL5XMNfrc9tuTcrlUc0lwCLcBGAs/s640/Prog.jpg" width="454" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ashton &amp; Backwell United FC</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The Lancer Scott Stadium</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">West Town Road</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Bristol</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">North Somerset</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">BS48 3HQ</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">07916 120382</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashtonbackwellunited/" target="_blank">Official Website</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ABUFCSocial" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ground Number: 727<br />Friday 6th October 2017<br />Ashton &amp; Backwell United 2-1 Bishop Sutton<br />Western League D1<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #0b5394;">ASHTON &amp; BACKWELL UNITED - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />The club was formed in 1911 and were originally known as Backwell United. They stayed in local football for the first 70 or so years of their history, winning the Somerset County League five times in six seasons between 1978 and 1983. After their&nbsp;final triumph, they took a promotion to the Western League, starting in Division 1. They adapted to life at the higher level well and finished as runners-up to Ottery St Mary in 1990. Unable to take promotion due to lack of floodlights, they would remain in Division 1 until&nbsp;1995 when third place behind Brislington and Glastonbury was good enough for promotion.They'd enjoy their best ever finish of 4th in 2003 and 2004 before a severe downturn in fortunes&nbsp;saw them suffer relegations in 2006 and 2008. Having dropped back down to the Somerset League, they merged with another local team, Ashton Boys in 2010 and after two 3rd placed finishes, rejoined the Western in 2013. They've gradually improved and last season finished 7th, their best placing since returning.<br /><br />In the FA Cup, their best ever run came in the 1999/2000 season. That year they beat Andover, Bashley and Barnstaple Town before losing to Oxford City in the 3rd Qualifying Round.In the FA Vase, 2004/05 saw by far their best run as they beat Chard Town, Corsham Town, Wimborne Town, Slimbridge and Lowestoft Town before a narrow 2-1 defeat to Stourbridge. Local cup wins include the Somerset County League Cup in 1983. Their record attendance of 1000 came for a 2013 friendly game against Bristol City.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJQYgVJF4xY/WdqD-7j17UI/AAAAAAABeLE/jpKGSq0kMg468XkTubfxYxLKQYrRKveFACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJQYgVJF4xY/WdqD-7j17UI/AAAAAAABeLE/jpKGSq0kMg468XkTubfxYxLKQYrRKveFACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #990000;">MY VISIT</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I'd been looking forward to this Western Hop since it was booked in early September. This time, I'd opted to use&nbsp;Groundhop&nbsp;UK's offer of ferrying me around the games via coach. It would cost me a bit more, possibly two to three times that petrol would cost but it was worth it for the chance to catch up online and write my blog in between games. I was fed up of driving and then not having enough time to enjoy the game beforehand, and also the backlog of blogs when I got home was annoying. I'd even been hoping for the potential of a minibus coming from Oxfordshire to save me even more driving but there was not sufficient interest to make it viable. I'd booked my hotel well in advance too, but there was even late drama with that. Despite booking a month in advance and the booking being 'all guaranteed and paid for' they phoned the afternoon before to tell me that they were 'closed for refurbishment'. A half-hour telephone call to the firm that I booked with, Hotels.com later and I had it sorted. They phoned the hotel who used another excuse of 'flooding'. To Hotels.com credit, they sorted me out with better accommodation and paid £20 out of the £25 extra costs despite it not being there fault. Of course, I gave the hopeless hotel that let me down a bad review on TripAdvisor, so if you are staying in Weston Super-Mare, avoid Dauncey's Hotel like the plague. There was a positive out of the situation though, I was staying in one of the pubs that I'd wanted to visit originally, due to it doing good cider, rather than the other end of town.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIfUM6glN9E/WdqEAy1bR1I/AAAAAAABeLI/6box4Pmlg945sVisUeUGpfkQ3OvuLRogACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIfUM6glN9E/WdqEAy1bR1I/AAAAAAABeLI/6box4Pmlg945sVisUeUGpfkQ3OvuLRogACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The previous night, I'd been split between going to an FA Youth Cup game at Clanfield 85 or staying in and watching the England game. I chose the latter and regretted it, as usual, it was dull as dishwater and England were lucky to beat Slovenia 1-0. I was more happy for Scotland beating&nbsp;Slovakia&nbsp;to be honest and was hoping for a decent phone in to listen to. Sadly, the only choice was Andy Goldstein on TalkSPORT, so I just went to sleep around 10 pm. I woke at 7.30 the next morning and after having a burger for breakfast, I watched a few YouTube videos. After having a bath, getting my things together and watching a bit of TV, I left at 10.25. The plan was to stop in Bristol, park at ASDA and walk to the Bristol Cider Shop to get some bottles to take away. It was a decent journey down until I hit Bristol, but then the last mile took 15 minutes, bringing back bad memories of a couple of years ago when it took me 2 hours to get through Bristol in rush hour. Luckily, once I got out of the car, things got better with free parking ten minutes from the shop and me stocking up with 6 great bottles of cider. I got back to my car and drove the remainder of the journey to Weston Super Mare. After checking in, I spent an hour in my room, heading out just after 3. I went for a pint of Thatchers Traditional in the hotel bar, one that I've had before, but very nice. I then walked towards our coach meeting point, at the hoppers base. Before that though, I went in the Cabot Court Hotel, one of the Wetherspoons in Weston Super Mare. I got a great deal on the Doombar pie which came with mushy peas and chips and was very nice. I also sampled a new cider, Thatchers Cider Bar Spartan, which was decent enough. I got to our meeting point with 25 minutes to spare and it was good catching up with other hoppers in the plush hotel bar.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dejCKuw3Yrk/WdqEDJ4QY3I/AAAAAAABeLM/rQl3RwB2da4eIv2B65aXKtXtAOFryIiuwCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dejCKuw3Yrk/WdqEDJ4QY3I/AAAAAAABeLM/rQl3RwB2da4eIv2B65aXKtXtAOFryIiuwCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We all got one of two minibuses at 5, with Laurence driving the one I was on. He was&nbsp;on&nbsp;great&nbsp;form&nbsp;as usual, reeling off some great anecdotes as we made our way to our first game. We got to the ground with 2 hours to spare, so I went to a local pub, The Rising Sun. It was a worthwhile mission, I tried a new cider, Devon Orchards First Press and met a nice dog. After that I made my way back to the ground, getting there at 6.20. The collection of programmes and tickets was very efficient and once I'd got&nbsp;these, it was time for the bar. Yet another new cider in Thatchers Dry was sampled and I also had a go on the football scratchcard, selecting Middleborough as my team. Food wise I was well catered for, a chilli con&nbsp;carne&nbsp;and a hot dog were sampled, both with chips. The game wasn't up to much though, a brace from Tom Skidmore giving the hosts a 2-1 win. Just before&nbsp;half time, he gave his side the lead with a low shot, then got the winner halfway through the second half. After was a goal for Bishops Sutton, but the game was more notable for some feisty tackles than any real chances. Indeed, the hosts Sam Thomas was sent off for a second booking late on and this promoted a late flurry from the visitors with the Ashton and Blackwell keeper making a good save late on. After the game, we had a trip to Bristol to pick Laurence's girlfriend, Robyn up. After that.&nbsp; I was dropped near my hotel and found my way back with ease, as I had memorised the route from the train station. I got back in good time with my phone long completely dead and so I was happy to get it on charge.&nbsp; I watched some videos for a bit, before going to bed around midnight.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBu0RwhIEUE/WdqD8LpmEAI/AAAAAAABeK8/0fIL96ecMVcRYqE3PrKG46ta2OaDc8BRACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBu0RwhIEUE/WdqD8LpmEAI/AAAAAAABeK8/0fIL96ecMVcRYqE3PrKG46ta2OaDc8BRACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1.jpg" width="360" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: blue;">THE GROUND</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">THE LANCER SCOTT STADIUM is a pretty decent ground for the level and it's good to see they have refrained from the use of metal 'arena' type stands. There are two seated areas, between them holding a couple of hundred fans. The rest of the ground is open and includes a few steps of terracing in front of the clubhouse. Talking of the clubhouse, it's pretty decent, offering the standard range of Thatchers Cider that is prevalent in this part of the world. Food was decent and a bit different to offerings elsewhere. I didn't see a club shop, though badges are available.<br /><br />Near the ground, is a very good pub, The Rising Sun and this offers a good alternative to the club bar. Fancy and pricey food is available, though I didn't sample anyway. There were also some takeaways nearby, but again, I didn't check them out.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVXLuKXaGX8/WdqDdlXyGRI/AAAAAAABeKE/pK_TBK3zNCQQpJnI58N82QuGbtAasx7qwCLcBGAs/s1600/AB%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVXLuKXaGX8/WdqDdlXyGRI/AAAAAAABeKE/pK_TBK3zNCQQpJnI58N82QuGbtAasx7qwCLcBGAs/s640/AB%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMUh3l2vNkU/WdqDvglnKkI/AAAAAAABeKc/VBziturxfrkEQZWwwDKSRgFqrXj--kbegCLcBGAs/s1600/AB%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMUh3l2vNkU/WdqDvglnKkI/AAAAAAABeKc/VBziturxfrkEQZWwwDKSRgFqrXj--kbegCLcBGAs/s640/AB%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQq1UyiwC5Q/WdqDwHPTYiI/AAAAAAABeKg/5VgKQv15vTw0qXGAupvbVpho5UDHeuHoACLcBGAs/s1600/AB%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img 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href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVuKknxXKKI/WdqEDTTfHRI/AAAAAAABeLQ/yhfsDB6MgI4HlnMDxlIP-8sP6MxA8JkFgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVuKknxXKKI/WdqEDTTfHRI/AAAAAAABeLQ/yhfsDB6MgI4HlnMDxlIP-8sP6MxA8JkFgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-40574790587814562162017-10-05T09:48:00.003-07:002017-10-05T09:51:47.308-07:00Ball Haye Green - Ball Haye Green Sports & Social Club<span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-Md7Od5h2s/WdJtlIbGlZI/AAAAAAABd14/8HH6lUoIoxEtcxutuVYGNWS6pmPWIGqUACLcBGAs/s1600/BHG.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-Md7Od5h2s/WdJtlIbGlZI/AAAAAAABd14/8HH6lUoIoxEtcxutuVYGNWS6pmPWIGqUACLcBGAs/s640/BHG.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ball Haye Green FC</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">BHG Sports &amp; Social Club</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Ball Haye Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Leek</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Staffordshire</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">ST13 6BH</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">01538 371926<br /><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/ballhayegreen" target="_blank">Official Website</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/ballhayegreen" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 726<br />Wednesday 4th October 2017<br />Ball Haye Green 4-3 Silverdale Athletic<br />SCSL Challenge Cup 2nd Round</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">BALL HAYE GREEN FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />Ball Haye Green FC was formed in 1880 and represents a small area of Leek, Staffordshire, bearing the same name.Information about the club online is scarce, but they were founder members of the Staffordshire Senior League in 1984. Records suggest that they remain here to this day, albeit with the league changing names and merging at various points in its history. They were champions of the league when it was called the Midland League in 1995. They were also runners-up in the Midland League's final season of&nbsp; 2004/05. The league merged with the Staffordshire County League for the 2005/06 season and Ball Haye Green were&nbsp;runners-up to Hanley Town in its inaugural season. In 2010 they were SCSL champions but chose not to apply for promotion to a higher league. Their best finish since came in 2014 when they finished 3rd, this time behind Wolstanton United and Uttoxeter Town. Last season they finished 6th and prior to tonight's game they sit in a mid-table placing of 11th.<br /><br />Though the club is&nbsp;yet to enter in the FA Cup or FA Vase, they have tasted success in a number of local competitions. The most recent win came earlier this year when they defeated Newcastle Town U21's 3-0 at Stafford Rangers to lift the Staffordshire FA Vase. They've also won the Leek Cup three times in recent history and the Staffs County North Challenge Cup in 1984. They are, however, most prolific in tonight's competition, the SCSL Challenge Cup, lifting it on 4 occasions.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWQcCdYgeCY/WdJtlOy7jBI/AAAAAAABd18/0B0FA9jV3gERwHcpqh4kw3NafkGwtw1mACLcBGAs/s1600/SCSLtab.JPG" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="701" height="501" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWQcCdYgeCY/WdJtlOy7jBI/AAAAAAABd18/0B0FA9jV3gERwHcpqh4kw3NafkGwtw1mACLcBGAs/s640/SCSLtab.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I'd been hoping to do a game with fellow hopper Chris on my week off. Usually, I give Wednesday games the swerve as I wake up at 4am and have to be up at 4am the following morning, so end up being tired. With Chris usually being busy on the traditional football days of Saturday and Tuesday, our choice was a bit limited. Usually, we are restricted to Fridays as I am not keen on doing Wednesday's when I have been up at 4am the previous day and am up at 4am the following day. However, with it being my week off, I was keen to get a game in. Luckily Chris was available and so I presented him with a list of games. I presented him with a list of games. My preference was Dronfield Town, but he suggested Ball Haye Green who had an SCSL Cup game against Silverdale. With the ground going soon and also being close to Leek Town Centre for dinner, I was happy with this and so pencilled it in.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3uAjKxltvk/WdZgHIxwq4I/AAAAAAABd_Q/dfxqUj_OVR4VvbCmv6FMl5SJM8ivJNwPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3uAjKxltvk/WdZgHIxwq4I/AAAAAAABd_Q/dfxqUj_OVR4VvbCmv6FMl5SJM8ivJNwPgCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After a late night after my game at Congleton last night, I woke up at 9 am. After having breakfast and having a bath, I got dressed. Most of the time before lunch was spent typing up my blog from last night which I was glad to get finished. After doing some research for tonight's game, I left at 2.45, earlier than usual, but roads had been poor on my previous couple of journeys to pick Chris up. This time it was a lot better and I was there to meet Chris at 3.45. Twenty minutes later he was out of work and we were on our way. The M1 was on disgusting form as usual but as soon as we got off it, the roads were much better. We took the A52 straight up to Leek and parked halfway between the town and the ground. We'd planned to eat at the Den Engel pub but they weren't doing food on the night. By the time I'd had half a cherry beer it was nearly 7.10 so we walked back to the ground. We got there in just over 10 minutes, paying £2 to get in. There was no hot food, so we had to make do with a 'Double Decker' until after the game. Before the game, I got some pictures of what was a great ground for the level.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7Acii4Vzg8/WdZgIQLUbdI/AAAAAAABd_Y/Lkvvt23tPkEykGQfz4yQXb60YxBVOi17ACLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B1%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7Acii4Vzg8/WdZgIQLUbdI/AAAAAAABd_Y/Lkvvt23tPkEykGQfz4yQXb60YxBVOi17ACLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B1%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The game kicked off with both teams really going for it. Ball Haye Green took the lead with a high shot from the edge of the area by Jack Keeling after 6 minutes. They had a few chances but Silverdale were level on 28 minutes with a cross cum shot from 20 yards that deceived the keeper. The hosts took the lead just before halftime with a brilliant free kick that I caught on camera, scored by George Mealey. At halftime, we were made very welcome in the clubhouse which had loads of memorabilia and got shown some old programmes. Ball Haye Green made sure of the win in the second half with a brace from Sam Bostock around the 70-minute mark to make it 4-1. A late couple of goals flattered Silverdale, the first a close-range shot from a low cross and the second a shot which went in off the bar from around ten yards.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ1mun0hDkz/" style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Great free kick just before half time makes it Ball Haye Green 2-1 Silverdale Athletic</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by Russell Cox (@russ_wwfc) on <time datetime="2017-10-04T19:19:16+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 4, 2017 at 12:19pm PDT</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">It had been a good game with very few flat periods, but it had been a very wet night. We had parked a fair way from the town but before we went back to the car, we went in search of dinner. Mr Vong's Chinese was the first place we found and I had my usual chicken satay skewers with salt and chilli chips. It was one of the better ones I'd had and portions were very generous too. By the time we'd been served and eaten it back at the car, it was 10.20 by the time we left. There were loads of roadworks on the M1 and many slow drivers on the single carriageways so it was 12.30 when I dropped Chris off. I got home myself 45 minutes later and found a nice message from the club, hoping I'd had a good night and a safe journey home. I replied to that and some other messages while having a cider before watching Coronation Street and going to bed around 3 am.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MLqRDxk-Ck/WdZgIfxL7sI/AAAAAAABd_U/RLxFpGFujvAek_JF0VlaJgVQrkADsTQ_wCLcBGAs/s1600/Extras%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MLqRDxk-Ck/WdZgIfxL7sI/AAAAAAABd_U/RLxFpGFujvAek_JF0VlaJgVQrkADsTQ_wCLcBGAs/s640/Extras%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">THE GROUND</b></span><br /><br />BALL HAYE GREEN SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB is a great ground for step 7, where most clubs have a basic pitch and at most, a rail around the pitch. In this case, you get a covered standing area on one side of the pitch which stretches for more than half the pitch. Under this is mainly flat standing, although you do get a few steps of terracing and a few odd seats. The tea bar does hot drinks and snacks, but no hot food while I didn't see a bar or a club shop. All in all, a nice welcoming club and walkable from a town centre with plenty of food and drink options.<br /><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /><span style="color: #444444;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</span></b></span><br /><br /><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b><br />A good area of cover, more than most at this level (8)<br /><br /><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b><br />Lots of parking, including street parking and close to the town (7)<br /><br /><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Made to feel very welcome (9)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b>4: Value for money</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">£2 is decent value for entry (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br />5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Well manned Twitter and reasonable website (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">None (-)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b>7: Game entertainment</b><br />A good contest, but not as close as the scoreline suggested (7)<br /><b><br />8: Tea Bar</b><br />Basic (5)<br /><br /><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse<br />10: Club Shop</b><br />Didn't visit/see (-)<br /><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 70: 50<br />AVERAGE SCORE: 7.14</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #6aa84f;">GROUND PHOTOS</b></span></span> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AqrntKCN5uQ/WdZf6U4uDfI/AAAAAAABd-g/CDvz3WpIbAMX_5zCIHwLKQe0BZlg-KxAACLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AqrntKCN5uQ/WdZf6U4uDfI/AAAAAAABd-g/CDvz3WpIbAMX_5zCIHwLKQe0BZlg-KxAACLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B1.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mElDJK3arU8/WdZf-N6IR_I/AAAAAAABd-0/EHOKKGkQy6IjC5JLqYai7dEGHWFpDBFAACLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mElDJK3arU8/WdZf-N6IR_I/AAAAAAABd-0/EHOKKGkQy6IjC5JLqYai7dEGHWFpDBFAACLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNrD12rckZc/WdZf9bQZSvI/AAAAAAABd-s/HjteOTUAIPcd290sxzPpg8VAyB3cXvU1QCLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNrD12rckZc/WdZf9bQZSvI/AAAAAAABd-s/HjteOTUAIPcd290sxzPpg8VAyB3cXvU1QCLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B3.jpg" width="360" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opX8lI3m2Vg/WdZgBHicFEI/AAAAAAABd-4/I2xJYcL5zB8YZxMscCUiTio5UBxi7ic5ACLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opX8lI3m2Vg/WdZgBHicFEI/AAAAAAABd-4/I2xJYcL5zB8YZxMscCUiTio5UBxi7ic5ACLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQp2lueB2WM/WdZgBDK69TI/AAAAAAABd-8/noEXCJwH5QAexKutW728qTb16YivqCqqQCLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQp2lueB2WM/WdZgBDK69TI/AAAAAAABd-8/noEXCJwH5QAexKutW728qTb16YivqCqqQCLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QyH-qciRlcY/WdZgBq1oRTI/AAAAAAABd_A/Si0SsG21rFoMoxiL12p7YcuLQgYLpJN6ACLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QyH-qciRlcY/WdZgBq1oRTI/AAAAAAABd_A/Si0SsG21rFoMoxiL12p7YcuLQgYLpJN6ACLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8o2JgtNFiow/WdZgFPZ3tQI/AAAAAAABd_M/_LUh9PNIS2oE705vP0Z4gHVevlK3xdhqQCLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8o2JgtNFiow/WdZgFPZ3tQI/AAAAAAABd_M/_LUh9PNIS2oE705vP0Z4gHVevlK3xdhqQCLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHwmHCzLVaY/WdZgE4YhUfI/AAAAAAABd_E/3MkzR-eFCoYcvhpO3WiNEcyCKcAxaJRdwCLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHwmHCzLVaY/WdZgE4YhUfI/AAAAAAABd_E/3MkzR-eFCoYcvhpO3WiNEcyCKcAxaJRdwCLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I03a9hvxBhQ/WdZgE1r0pdI/AAAAAAABd_I/bomyo2oPWO0Rdewnb0zkbBQ_oHwOij8WgCLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I03a9hvxBhQ/WdZgE1r0pdI/AAAAAAABd_I/bomyo2oPWO0Rdewnb0zkbBQ_oHwOij8WgCLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7A1amO6hrM/WdZf6oW__GI/AAAAAAABd-k/rvY-1WV4wNEqNmt2YuspF2ud7mcvV06XgCLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7A1amO6hrM/WdZf6oW__GI/AAAAAAABd-k/rvY-1WV4wNEqNmt2YuspF2ud7mcvV06XgCLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-z_4treCPA/WdZf6tvV8LI/AAAAAAABd-o/vgPRMY7fdy0hSIuxAXJoMDd-yWu3hRCegCLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-z_4treCPA/WdZf6tvV8LI/AAAAAAABd-o/vgPRMY7fdy0hSIuxAXJoMDd-yWu3hRCegCLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Utc-RedXHAE/WdZf9vOGY-I/AAAAAAABd-w/nHRtXCdJFxEMlEhs2L8-1qaDFrAtsblngCLcBGAs/s1600/BHG%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Utc-RedXHAE/WdZf9vOGY-I/AAAAAAABd-w/nHRtXCdJFxEMlEhs2L8-1qaDFrAtsblngCLcBGAs/s640/BHG%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228365222626145766.post-85023803559909256142017-10-04T05:52:00.002-07:002017-10-04T05:52:49.122-07:00Congleton Town - Booth Street<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QMkZPHv8EQ/WdTW3wZ703I/AAAAAAABd4I/zBRL8DkcVUQ41x9GLU3AIufHLw_U4L1aQCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: start;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="858" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QMkZPHv8EQ/WdTW3wZ703I/AAAAAAABd4I/zBRL8DkcVUQ41x9GLU3AIufHLw_U4L1aQCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B1.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Congleton Town FC</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Booth Street</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">off Crescent Road</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Congleton</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">Cheshire</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;">CW12 4DG</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">01260 274460</span><br /><a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/congletontownfc" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Official Website</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/CongletonFC" style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot;, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Ground Number: 725<br />Tuesday 3rd October 2017<br />Congleton Town 3-0 Irlam<br />North West Counties Premier</span></div></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b>CONGLETON TOWN FC - A BRIEF HISTORY</b></span><br /><br />CONGLETON TOWN FC was formed in 1901 and for the first 80 or so years of their history, they played in local Cheshire leagues. in 1982 they were founder members of the North West Counties League. After a series of top half finishes, including a runners-up spot behind Clitheroe in 1986, they left the following year to join the Northern Premier League's newly created Division 1. A best ever placing of 6th came in 1990, but the turn of the century saw them struggle and after a bottom-placed finish in 2001 saw them return to the North West Counties League. Their best placing since returning was 4th in 2009 and prior to tonight's game, they were sitting in mid-table.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8YFYKVzQNY/WdJJ2EGtomI/AAAAAAABd1o/ob2ERevspOYNPjFzpFAtbidFNyC-2iSHgCLcBGAs/s1600/NWCTab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="703" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y8YFYKVzQNY/WdJJ2EGtomI/AAAAAAABd1o/ob2ERevspOYNPjFzpFAtbidFNyC-2iSHgCLcBGAs/s640/NWCTab.JPG" width="635" /></a><br /><br />In the FA Cup, Congleton reached the 1st Round in the 1989/90 season. After defeating Irlam Town, Denaby United, Caernarfon Town, Colwyn Bay and Witton Albion, they faced Football League side Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road where they lost 2-0. Despite being relegated in 2000/01 season, the club had an excellent FA Trophy run, reaching the 4th Round before a 6-2 defeat to Worksop Town brought an end to a run that had seen them have a nice distraction from their league woes. They went one round better in the FA Vase a few years later before a defeat to AFC Sudbury. Local Cup honours include the Cheshire Senior Cup, Cheshire Amateur Cup, Cheshire Saturday Cup and Crewe Cup. The clubs record attendance of 7000 came in 1953/54 when they hosted Macclesfield Town. Notable people to hail from Congleton include former Manchester City defender Ian Brightwell, veteran keeper Brian Jensen and current Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TElCxp8PgZA/Vstg7ryhpnI/AAAAAAABMzs/3XyfE0LzEPk/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TElCxp8PgZA/Vstg7ryhpnI/AAAAAAABMzs/3XyfE0LzEPk/s400/download.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">MY VISIT</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">It was my week off and on this day, I'd really been hoping to do an FA Cup game. Only one replay came out though and although it was one that I'd wanted to visit for ages, in Ossett Town, who were playing 1874 Northwich, I couldn't persuade my fellow hoppers to come. Chris was busy as he normally is on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Anwar didn't want to travel so far, even though I offered him a cheap deal on fuel costs. With the huge costs of fuel and the only nearby accommodation that was reasonably priced being a poky little room I had stayed in before, it was always going to be a long shot that I'd be going there. I'd recently blown well over £500, two weeks wages, on my last fortnight off and with the Western Hop coming up, I was trying to keep costs down. In any case, I'd decide on Sunday when the non-league paper came out. I'd really fancied doing Congleton Town for ages. I'd even attempted going to a game back in February 2016 when they played West Didsbury &amp; Chorlton, but the game was called off in the afternoon, due to a waterlogged pitch. I ended up going to Ollerton Town, with fellow groundhopper Chris instead, as it was one of the few games on that day. I suffered a double whammy that day, as well as missing out on my preferred choice of game, a fox also ran out in front of me on the way home on a dual carriageway, meaning an expensive repair bill and insurance claim.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I didn't think Anwar would go for it, but to my delight and surprise, he agreed to accompany me to the game. He'd even arranged to meet me at his work, saving us leaving at our usual time of 4 and chance of pre-match being ruined due to traffic. I started doing my research as to where to eat and drink and also if there was anywhere to stop, should we need to kill time. On the day of the game, I had a better night's sleep than the previous few nights, getting 7 hours in and waking up at 7 am. After catching up on Twitter in bed, I went downstairs and had some eggy bread for breakfast. After getting ready, I walked down town before getting a lift back with my Dad. After a microwaved kebab and can of Irn Bru for lunch, I left to meet Anwar at 12.40.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K34zVPPsPqo/WdTXE1eessI/AAAAAAABd48/AnFzN6KDqh0wRkC0p89qL5fSJ6viQSOVwCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1497" data-original-width="1600" height="599" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K34zVPPsPqo/WdTXE1eessI/AAAAAAABd48/AnFzN6KDqh0wRkC0p89qL5fSJ6viQSOVwCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I got there at 1.20 and found him being chatted up by a couple of crazy old women who worked at the same school as him.&nbsp; We were soon on our way, listening to Jeremy Vine on the way up. We'd decided to stop en route, choosing Stafford as the destination as it was fairly near the motorway. I also thought I'd grab some pictures of Stafford Town on the way. However, when I got to the ground, it was well secured, with no chance of getting in. I didn't even bother getting out of the car, in the end, instead driving to Stafford ASDA to get petrol. I discovered my phone was nearly dead and so with us under an hour from Congleton and the time being 3.45, I paid a quid for an hours parking. I noticed on the way up that my phone's battery was low. I pinned down the fault to a dodgy USB cable, so the priority was to replace it. Before I did that though, Anwar continued his knack for being accosted my middle-aged women and I was roped in too. Fortunately, it was all innocent and it turned out to be some ladies doing market research for Mars. What was sold to us as 'a quick five minutes' turned into 20 minutes. It wasn't all bad, we got to try a new concept Twix chocolate bar. There were two versions and much to the ladies disappointment, we both preferred the second type, whereas they preferred the first. I was a little miffed that Anwar's lady let him keep his chocolate, whereas mine took the bars back, for fear that I'd sell it to a rival company. We did get paid £3 each for our time though, for what was something pretty enjoyable to do. After that, we popped to Cash Converters, with Anwar picking up a computer game that he'd wanted for a while. Finally, I went to Poundland to get my USB cable, but not before checking that the connection fitted snugly. Thankfully, it did and so we made our way back to the car, arriving just before 5.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dN_-h2YFIRg/WdTW8LT5qvI/AAAAAAABd4U/tyF49YRAKYMI5aaYTpKw5whWX3Jfq9atgCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dN_-h2YFIRg/WdTW8LT5qvI/AAAAAAABd4U/tyF49YRAKYMI5aaYTpKw5whWX3Jfq9atgCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B12.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I was glad that the USB cable solved my charging problems and it charged pretty quick on our journey north, with the traffic being very reasonable for rush hour. We got to Congleton at 5.45 and parked up in a street near the town. First stop was the local Wetherspoons, The Counting House, for dinner. Initially, I was going to have a steak and kidney pudding but with no real ciders on offer, I opted to get the meal deal - a mixed grill with Thatchers Gold for £7.99 which was pretty decent. From there I went in search of a cider produced in Congleton that I'd read about online. The Barley Hops and the Olde KIngs Head were supposed to have it, but although friendly, were unable to help. The other place that would possibly stock it, Bojangles Brasserie might have had it, but strangely for a restaurant, they closed at 6 and were too rude and ignorant to listen to my request to buy a couple of bottles to take home with me. With the time being 6.55, we decided to go to the ground. Entry was £6 and a decent programme at £1.50. I'd heard good things about the club shop and it was pretty decent with a fair few old programmes and a decent range of souvenirs. They were quite expensive though, with a basic pennant costing a fiver, but I was glad to help them out. From there I went into the bar and although the Congleton cider still proved elusive, I did pick up a football book for a quid. From there I went around getting pictures of the ground. The Congleton Ultras were out in force, the youngsters enthusiastically brilliantly backing their team with some good noise all evening and questioning whether Irlam kept their romantic arrangements 'in the family' so to speak. Later on, I'd get a Boril and some chips, which were both well priced at £1 each.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kIgUGDcY9k/WdTW-AFANSI/AAAAAAABd4Y/u3Pj4uV1U8gli44tkf2B3EK6WeHfWduvwCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4kIgUGDcY9k/WdTW-AFANSI/AAAAAAABd4Y/u3Pj4uV1U8gli44tkf2B3EK6WeHfWduvwCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">There was one player on the Congleton teamsheet that I recognised. Jamie Tandy had had a varied career with local non-league clubs following being a trainee at Manchester City but is most well known for his eye being used as an ashtray by Joey Barton. There was a significant Merseyside contingent in the home side and they started well. They'd already hit the bar by the time they took the lead on the half-hour.&nbsp; William Hasler-Clegg crossed the ball from the right and Steve Foster blasted powerfully home from 6 yards. Seven minutes later, it was 2-0, Hasler-Clegg provided the cross again and this time Jason Carey slid home from close range. The second half started with Irlam trying to get back into the game but to no avail. A third on 57 minuted killed the game off and it was probably the best goal of the night, with Declan Fletcher's low shot clipping the left-hand post on its way in. Chances were less frequent from then on and the game petered out to its conclusion. We left at 9.40 after being thanked for coming which was nice. It was a decent journey home and although there were a plethora of roadworks, there were no serious delays. I dropped Anwar off at 12.20, getting in myself 25 minutes later. I stayed up for an hour or so, catching up online and watching Only Fools And Horses before going to sleep.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoG3rKuC5Dk/WdTW-mhIhcI/AAAAAAABd4c/utsWcGiDw8MJmMN0tCtXM-iZ865d-JO1gCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1600" height="602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoG3rKuC5Dk/WdTW-mhIhcI/AAAAAAABd4c/utsWcGiDw8MJmMN0tCtXM-iZ865d-JO1gCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">THE GROUND</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">BOOTH STREET was a ground that I originally visited on the 8th April 2008, prior to Wycombe's game at Macclesfield, hence the daytime pictures. What I saw then was a decent ground for the level and one that has earned excellent reviews since.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />Upon my return, there had been a couple of additional areas of standing cover added. There was now cover on all 4 sides and in addition, I discovered that the tea bar and club shop were both decent. The bar was OK, not great on cider but spacious and welcoming and with local real ale. The town was also decent, with plenty of places to eat and drink.<br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">SCORES ON THE DOORS</b></span><br /><br /><b>1: Ground facilities &amp; condition (for the level)</b><br />A good, well-kept venue (8)<br /><br /><b>2: Area around the ground (parking, food/drink, public transport)</b><br />Close to the town, lots of on-street parking (7)<br /><br /><b>3: Welcome / Club Friendliness</b><br />Good friendly club (7)<br /><br /><b>4: Value for money</b><br />£6 is a decent price for this level (7)<br /><br /><b>5: Social Media &amp; Website</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Site is reasonably decent, Twitter has regular updates (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b>6: Programme</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A decent effort for £1.50 (7)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b>7: Game entertainment</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Some good football, but a bit one-sided (5)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>8: Tea Bar</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">A good selection at reasonable prices (8)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b>9: Bar / Clubhouse</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Spacious did real ale (6)</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><br />10: Club Shop</b><br />A good selection with old programmes too (7)<br /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /><b>TOTAL SCORE OUT OF 100: 72<br />AVERAGE SCORE: 7.2<br />(3rd out of 26 surveyed this season)</b></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">GROUND PHOTOS FROM APRIL 2006</span></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f573dmAchCw/Vstf0utUMeI/AAAAAAABMzE/GmIUV7OAlw4/s1600/100_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f573dmAchCw/Vstf0utUMeI/AAAAAAABMzE/GmIUV7OAlw4/s640/100_0309.JPG" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOtZpWGcFl4/Vstf0uEoWoI/AAAAAAABMzA/YIz9h_7XG7k/s1600/100_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOtZpWGcFl4/Vstf0uEoWoI/AAAAAAABMzA/YIz9h_7XG7k/s640/100_0310.JPG" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7TFdfwP8RE/Vstf0TIhJbI/AAAAAAABMy8/6S06o2ZjbOo/s1600/100_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7TFdfwP8RE/Vstf0TIhJbI/AAAAAAABMy8/6S06o2ZjbOo/s640/100_0311.JPG" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtkLgHAElF8/Vstf1cGzYCI/AAAAAAABMzI/sg26TgeUyBw/s1600/100_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FtkLgHAElF8/Vstf1cGzYCI/AAAAAAABMzI/sg26TgeUyBw/s640/100_0312.JPG" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oNXuh-ee6o/Vstf2CRJ28I/AAAAAAABMzM/LEgFDWEGbC0/s1600/100_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oNXuh-ee6o/Vstf2CRJ28I/AAAAAAABMzM/LEgFDWEGbC0/s640/100_0313.JPG" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEPZ-MlBsos/Vstf2cdnJJI/AAAAAAABMzU/9hWdFMAZQoI/s1600/100_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEPZ-MlBsos/Vstf2cdnJJI/AAAAAAABMzU/9hWdFMAZQoI/s640/100_0314.JPG" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kEngQASNvA/Vstf2a5BQyI/AAAAAAABMzQ/AODV5kQRRNQ/s1600/100_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kEngQASNvA/Vstf2a5BQyI/AAAAAAABMzQ/AODV5kQRRNQ/s640/100_0315.JPG" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tAJ81JBQvg/Vstf3d5MS-I/AAAAAAABMzY/H6Uukhlb_A8/s1600/100_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tAJ81JBQvg/Vstf3d5MS-I/AAAAAAABMzY/H6Uukhlb_A8/s640/100_0316.JPG" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcoMiD-CvvA/Vstf34KFlMI/AAAAAAABMzg/abulsTFqXYk/s1600/Congleton.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcoMiD-CvvA/Vstf34KFlMI/AAAAAAABMzg/abulsTFqXYk/s640/Congleton.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">PICTURES FROM MY MATCH VISIT</b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jp9vcC4Elio/WdTXDRBQt4I/AAAAAAABd4s/btnlbzU_rLQE21BFF1KYMdnb1rFGZ9TyQCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jp9vcC4Elio/WdTXDRBQt4I/AAAAAAABd4s/btnlbzU_rLQE21BFF1KYMdnb1rFGZ9TyQCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhSLiiCyGjQ/WdTW7nRtuEI/AAAAAAABd4M/AezcMi__XhExS9dNQt7wh46cbMt7R1dIACLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhSLiiCyGjQ/WdTW7nRtuEI/AAAAAAABd4M/AezcMi__XhExS9dNQt7wh46cbMt7R1dIACLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BtVX6f7VQU/WdTXDjz0OPI/AAAAAAABd4w/Gl-3PJl7SR83FRL4y9JKkmBN1FyqP50LgCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BtVX6f7VQU/WdTXDjz0OPI/AAAAAAABd4w/Gl-3PJl7SR83FRL4y9JKkmBN1FyqP50LgCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LR9M91ofCs/WdTXEbLYoDI/AAAAAAABd40/ceQl1AXEeQQwvffYzLZeNuPkpWvnzu_LgCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LR9M91ofCs/WdTXEbLYoDI/AAAAAAABd40/ceQl1AXEeQQwvffYzLZeNuPkpWvnzu_LgCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USq9BudssJA/WdTXE8CYnhI/AAAAAAABd44/B74AlwNrSeM9-qPOOgbfPhdJG8ia_1WfgCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1045" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USq9BudssJA/WdTXE8CYnhI/AAAAAAABd44/B74AlwNrSeM9-qPOOgbfPhdJG8ia_1WfgCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B6.jpg" width="418" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu2RR4oWX6M/WdTXByxWMjI/AAAAAAABd4o/liKcDuJvT9AY3KIS7jX42DXSL0zVPfONgCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu2RR4oWX6M/WdTXByxWMjI/AAAAAAABd4o/liKcDuJvT9AY3KIS7jX42DXSL0zVPfONgCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfpgR_CPzcE/WdTXJG6ifzI/AAAAAAABd5A/tHIL2bclpnYzU8gx67Snu_pSMxONn5KjQCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfpgR_CPzcE/WdTXJG6ifzI/AAAAAAABd5A/tHIL2bclpnYzU8gx67Snu_pSMxONn5KjQCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Us-XKB_HmRo/WdTXJhV_IcI/AAAAAAABd5I/WNwK3Y4vIEUgXUYd68z532cQfdqYP34MQCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Us-XKB_HmRo/WdTXJhV_IcI/AAAAAAABd5I/WNwK3Y4vIEUgXUYd68z532cQfdqYP34MQCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iz3j9Yhkfw4/WdTXJv0sNRI/AAAAAAABd5E/s2ez0JM6QeEANC_twDhzGZh-iMoAcbamQCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iz3j9Yhkfw4/WdTXJv0sNRI/AAAAAAABd5E/s2ez0JM6QeEANC_twDhzGZh-iMoAcbamQCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pHY-IidTh0/WdTW7321KyI/AAAAAAABd4Q/Dy2ePwF184sXD6qx2f7CjeBl1Ii4Hn5agCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pHY-IidTh0/WdTW7321KyI/AAAAAAABd4Q/Dy2ePwF184sXD6qx2f7CjeBl1Ii4Hn5agCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f13aELsspgI/WdTW-z08zqI/AAAAAAABd4g/LpyThUaIVl8px-aqT11HQadEUNOzA6gegCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f13aELsspgI/WdTW-z08zqI/AAAAAAABd4g/LpyThUaIVl8px-aqT11HQadEUNOzA6gegCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bw8L-vKo_Sc/WdTW_Ma2jVI/AAAAAAABd4k/O6RbWmUkd88AFNExDc5bJ72UcDcAqQfQwCLcBGAs/s1600/ConIrl%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bw8L-vKo_Sc/WdTW_Ma2jVI/AAAAAAABd4k/O6RbWmUkd88AFNExDc5bJ72UcDcAqQfQwCLcBGAs/s640/ConIrl%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a>RussWWFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819883584895522180noreply@blogger.com0